Gasly: We get different times, I’m more than ready for mine

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Formula 1’s Official Website, Gasly acknowledged that his first seasons with Alpine have fallen well short of expectations, but made it clear he believes the hardest phase is now behind the team which has gone through some tumultuous times with the abrupt departure of former Team Principal Oliver Oakes with Flavio Briatore taking a more hands job before the arrival of Steve Neilson as a Managing Director.

“I feel like we’ve been through the rough part of the journey, and much brighter days are coming,” Gasly said and went on reflecting on his time since joining the Enstone squad in 2023, pointing to instability as a defining challenge.

“It doesn’t quite feel like 3 years," he said. "Maybe because I had to go through so many changes, whether it was the management point of view, the team structure, teammates… It almost feels like every time it’s been a fresh start, not the continuity of working with the same people.”

While there have been flashes of performance, including podiums and standout qualifying results, Gasly admitted the overall picture has been disappointing.

“There have been some clear highlights… but I think it’s fair to say that, overall, we’re quite far from our expectations,” he explained, adding that his move followed Alpine’s strong 2022 campaign. “I expected a lot more, which unfortunately didn’t happen.”

Despite the frustration, Gasly said his confidence heading into the next phase is higher than ever.

“If you ask me now, it’s the most confident I’ve been for the coming seasons, compared to the end of 2023 or the end of 2024,” he said.

Central to that belief is Alpine’s strategic decision to prioritise the 2026 regulation overhaul, even at the cost of short-term results.

Gasly revealed he was fully aligned with the approach from the outset, saying: “I was the first one to say, ‘Just forget about this year. Even stop earlier and just start working on 2026.’”

He acknowledged the competitive compromise bluntly saying: “The reality is we are 10th in the championship. We could have challenged for sixth or seventh, but we don’t do it for sixth or seventh in the championship, we do it to be right at the top.”

The Frenchman added that early development for 2026 could be decisive: “This couple of months of development for next season could be the difference between being at the top or being in the midfield again for another few years.”

Gasly also pushed back against the narrative that Alpine lacks capability, pointing instead to the strength of its personnel.

He explained: “I say this with full transparency and honesty: we must have some of the best technical staff on the grid… I don’t think we’ve ever been in a situation with so many great engineers, mechanics and staff back in Enstone.”

That belief extends to Alpine’s upcoming power unit transition, with Gasly welcoming the switch to Mercedes power while paying tribute to the outgoing Renault workforce.

“It’s important for me to thank all the people who worked in Viry-Chatillon," he insisted. "It doesn’t really feel fully deserved for all the hardworking people who tried to deliver as much as they could.”

Looking ahead, he added: “I’m very excited about it. From what I’m hearing, the engine is in a great place.”

Gasly was equally candid when reflecting on his Red Bull chapter, stressing there is no bitterness but acknowledging structural limitations.

“The chapter’s closed," he claimed. "I know on my side I tried every single time to do my best with what I was given.”

He added that the experience only strengthened his resolve, pointing to his AlphaTauri win as proof of his capabilities. That resolve now defines his outlook.

“I’ve never stopped grinding. I know what I want to achieve, and I know my potential,” Gasly said, noting the motivation he draws from seeing contemporaries succeed. “I see guys like Charles[Leclerc], Lando [Norris], George [Russell] getting their time to shine, and I need the car to be right up there with them.”

His conclusion was unequivocal; he said: “We all get different times… but from the moment I have it, I know I’m not going to let it slip. I’m ready – I’m definitely more than ready for my time.”

Gasly believes Alpine’s shared hardship has forged unity rather than division; he said: “No one’s giving up.

“When these better times come, we could have an incredible synergy, and really enjoy that ride together," he concluded.