P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alpine F1 star warns of ‘painful’ future as driver decision looms
Alpine F1 driver Pierre Gasly has hinted at uncertainties surrounding the team’s driver lineup and performance issues as they struggle in the constructors’ championship before the summer break.
Despite Gasly being the sole point scorer for Alpine, the team is currently at the bottom of the standings with only 20 points from 14 races, raising concerns about finding a reliable second driver.
Speculation has arisen about potential driver changes, with names like Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, and former driver Jack Doohan being linked to replace underperforming Franco Colapinto.
Alpine’s executive advisor Flavio Briatore has mentioned the possibility of lineup adjustments throughout the season to secure a competitive pairing for the crucial 2026 campaign.
Gasly has acknowledged the challenges ahead for the team in 2025 and emphasized the importance of focusing on improving for the following season, which is crucial due to major regulation changes in F1 and Gasly’s contract expiring in 2026.
Alpine’s partnership with Mercedes for a new power unit and the need to demonstrate progress to Gasly underline the significance of solidifying their performance to attract and retain top talent, with the identity of Gasly’s future teammate still unknown.
