Pierre Gasly has dismissed the idea that being with a works manufacturer is essential for his Formula 1 career, despite reports that Alpine may soon stop using Renault engines.
A report this week suggests that Alpine is contemplating closing its engine division in Viry-Chatillon to become a customer team when new regulations take effect in 2026.
Since the introduction of V6-turbo hybrid engines in 2014, Renault has struggled to keep pace with competitors and has faced a performance deficit since the engine freeze in 2022.
Gasly did not confirm the speculation but expressed his full confidence in Alpine’s senior management to make the right decision.
“Well, on my side, obviously, the main focus is on my job, which is to deliver the best result and extract the max out of the car performance,” Gasly said.
“On the rest, I think I’m subject, and all the conversations are very open with the team and the top management.
“To me, I trust in the decision of the top management, and I don’t have any particular worry on that side.
“Things are very clear; I know where I’ve got to focus on, and we’ve got a lot of work on the table with the car we’ve got and that’s where all the focus is going into.”
On the other hand, Gasly’s contract with Alpine will end at the end of this season, and he’s pondering whether to stay with the team or go elsewhere, like his teammate Esteban Ocon.
He also admits that he’s thinking about the Alpine decision about the power unit side in light of the new regulations in 2026.
“Obviously everything comes into play, there’s no surprise in that as you would expect,” he declared.
“But as I’ve said, I think the conversations are very transparent with the team and that’s why I’m happy on that hand.
“On my side, personally as a driver, I have no comment to make on such a topic.
“I know where the team stands, and that’s what’s important to me, and I trust in the conversations we’ve got.”
He also admits that being a works team has the advantage of no limits and a lot more flexibility on the engine side.
However, Gasly noted that McLaren’s rise to race winners in the past year shows what can be achieved even without being a works team.
“They’re clearly showing what’s possible to achieve,” he said. “You’ve got signs that it’s possible to be competitive even without running your own engine.”
Photo Credit: Alpine F1 Team
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