Pierre Gasly believes Alpine Formula 1 has the potential to challenge McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull in 2026 after a strong Chinese Grand Prix. The French driver finished sixth in Shanghai, outqualifying Red Bulls and nearly securing fifth before a safety car intervention. This result marks the team's best since fifth in the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix.
Pierre Gasly's performance at the Chinese Grand Prix has boosted confidence at Alpine. After a 10th place in the Australian Grand Prix, where he edged out Esteban Ocon for the final point, Gasly shone in Shanghai. He took seventh in both qualifying sessions, outqualifying Red Bull drivers including Max Verstappen, who was 0.14 seconds behind him. Tyre degradation dropped him to 11th in the sprint, but he recovered to sixth in the main race, ahead of Liam Lawson and over 21 seconds clear of seventh but two seconds behind Oliver Bearman of Haas after a restart overtake due to a power issue during a safety car period triggered by Lance Stroll's stop. Franco Colapinto finished behind in 11th or lower, over five seconds back before the neutralisation. > “It's definitely encouraging for the whole team to see that in some sessions we can be fourth-fastest,” Gasly said. “They are not miles ahead... hopefully we can slowly join that pack ahead of us.” The result exceeded pre-season expectations. Gasly noted Red Bull's pace seemed off compared to Melbourne, where they challenged McLaren closely. He expressed mild frustration at missing fifth: “Deep inside me, the very competitive Pierre is a little annoyed not to get that P5.” Alpine, backmarkers in 2025, ended their engine program for Mercedes powertrains and focused early on their 2026 car, aiding their midfield resurgence. Gasly, seventh in the drivers' standings ahead of Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, sees Melbourne as unrepresentative and anticipates similar form ahead. He emphasised ongoing car tweaks and development to close gaps to the leaders.
