Alpine boss: Colapinto and Gasly have outperformed their cars | OneFootball

After the 2025 Formula 1 season came to an end and while the break is underway, all eyes are starting to turn to what 2026 will bring. However, conclusions are still being drawn from what happened this year, and that is the case for Alpine. Following a lackluster performance from Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly, the team has come out in defense of its drivers.

Steve Nielsen, head of the French team in the top category of motorsport, took it upon himself to analyze the drivers’ performance. Far from criticizing them, he took a moment to praise them, surprising everyone in the paddock. Thus, the Argentine and the Frenchman received some motivating words from the team leader while they are on vacation.

The truth is that Steve gave a brief exclusive interview with La Nación and referred to Franco and Pierre’s performance during the 2025 season. “I think the two drivers we have now have been better than their cars,” Nielsen stated at first. He then added, “The brutal reality is that our car was not fast enough.”

In a similar vein to what was mentioned before, but this time focused on 2026, the Alpine leader expanded on his remarks. “We need to make a much better car,” he said in a firm tone, highlighting the importance of the vehicle, which will now have a Mercedes engine. “We’ll see if our drivers are able to live up to it,” he emphasized a few seconds later.

Again, regarding the A526 single-seater, which will have major modifications and many improvements, Nielsen stated: “We have done all the right things. The chassis has passed its crash test. It’s lighter, it’s stronger, and it looks good, but every team that builds a car will tell you it’s good. What really decides that is what happens on the track.”

Ultimately, the leader of the French team did not hesitate to highlight what Colapinto and Gasly achieved during Alpine’s dreadful 2025 season, as they prioritized the vehicle that will be available from next year. Moreover, just as both drivers announced in recent days, Nielsen revealed that a much more positive 2026 is expected compared to this year.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.