Alpine driver Pierre Gasly has confirmed his championship ambitions for 2026, the year Formula 1 introduces a new set of regulations. The Frenchman’s focus is undoubtedly being drawn to the sport’s rule changes, and he has been advocating for the Enstone team to direct its resources towards this since the beginning of the year at the F1 75 launch event.
This balancing of the grid with the new regulations could provide Gasly with the opportunity to fight for the championship, just as it will for the rest of the field.
Speaking to the media, including Motorsport.com, Gasly was clear when asked how interested he is in next year’s campaign:
“I’m very interested because in 2026 I could be world champion, so that’s obviously that’s something that I’m putting a lot of focus on,” he confirmed.
The 29-year-old has consistently suggested that his team should pivot to its 2026 development in a bid for long-term performance, even at the expense of this season. After all, the team will likely not be racing for podiums.
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
“I’m fully dedicated and focused on ’25, but as a team we’re well aware that we know what’s on the table for this year and you know we know what’s on the table for ’26.
“The strategy has already been put in place for next year, but as I mentioned at the F1 launch, if it was down to me, I’ll just put all the guys and all the money towards next year because that’s where, you know, whether I finish eighth, ninth, sixth, seventh doesn’t really matter, but next year we can fight for wins and podiums.
“That’s something that’s really meaningful.”
The 2026 Regulatory Revolution
The 2026 F1 season will introduce one of the most comprehensive technical overhauls the sport has seen in many years. This will bring a reshuffling of the grid, an opportunity the likes of Gasly could capitalise on.
The cars will be smaller, lighter, with a 200mm reduction in wheelbase length (down to 3400mm) and a 100mm decrease in width (to 1900mm). But the biggest change doesn’t come from its 30kg weight loss or its active aerodynamics, but instead will come from the powertrain. 50% of the power will come from an electric motor.
Alpine will sit in an advantageous position for 2026, as they become a works team backed by Mercedes.
“In a works team, there’s no limit,” Gasly said. “You can just set your own limits and develop and invest as much as you want.”
