Pierre Gasly backs Briatore masterplan to lift Alpine midfield hopes
Pierre Gasly has publicly backed Flavio Briatore’s masterplan for Alpine, declaring on 25 Jun 2026 that the French driver believes the plan will push the team into the top‑six of the Formula 1 grid.
Speaking to Motorsport Week ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Gasly stressed that the 2026 regulation overhaul gives every team a chance to reset. He noted Alpine’s struggle in the ground‑effect era, finishing last in 2025, but highlighted the turnaround this year-a podium in Monaco after a penalty reversal and consistent points finishes. “I fully believe in Flavio’s master plan,” he said, adding that the team must focus on short‑term improvements while recognising the long‑term work ahead.
Gasly’s comments come after a season where he has shown he can extract more from the car than the previous year allowed. He recalled finishing 15th in 2025, a result he felt did not reflect his talent. The Frenchman now sees Alpine’s progress as a platform to showcase his skill, especially after Briatore publicly named him among the top six drivers on the grid in a recent Beyond the Grid podcast. Gasly replied, “It’s nice to hear from Flavio,” and emphasized his focus on delivering stronger performances each race.
Since the 2026 rule changes, Alpine has scored points in every race, currently sitting fifth in the championship standings. Franco Colapinto has also contributed top‑10 finishes, reinforcing the team’s midfield push. Gasly pointed out that while every team faces challenges adapting to the new aero package, Alpine’s recent steps-including the Monaco podium-show they are moving in the right direction.
Looking ahead to the Austrian round, Gasly said the team must identify strengths and weaknesses quickly. He expects the timeline for development to be the same for all staff, urging a focus on short‑term gains while keeping an eye on the ultimate goal of becoming a top‑six outfit. “We all wish it could happen overnight, but reality is different,” he noted, underscoring the need for steady progress.
Briatore, a veteran of Formula 1 with ties to Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, brings a wealth of strategic insight. Gasly praised his leadership, stating the dynamic between driver and management feels strong. The French driver believes that Briatore’s long‑term vision, combined with the team’s recent technical strides, will eventually deliver the results Alpine seeks.
If Alpine can maintain its points streak and continue refining the car, Gasly’s confidence suggests they could challenge the current midfield order. The upcoming races will test the masterplan’s effectiveness, but the driver’s optimism hints at a competitive second half of the season.