Following a point-scoring weekend at Zandvoort with Pierre Gasly, the Alpine F1 Team heads to the 2026 Italian GP at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
In their preview of the iconic weekend at the “Temple of Speed,” the team aims to build momentum with their technically updated package.
A special weekend for Pierre Gasly with high hopes on the table
Building on a P10 finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, Gasly looks forward to getting the maximum potential from the latest developments of his A526.
Confident in the initial data delivered by the upgrade package, the French driver aims to carry the upward trajectory into the 2026 Italian GP weekend.
“We go to Monza feeling positive after scoring some points in Zandvoort. The upgrade package worked well and I know we probably left a bit on the table last time out which we want to put right this weekend.
“I’m excited for it and I am feeling hungry to add more points in our championship fight.”
For Gasly, Monza carries special significance, combining the comforts of a semi-home race with the memories of his maiden Grand Prix victory in 2020.
“I always love Italian Grand Prix week for a number of reasons.
“Firstly, Milan is where I live so I get to spend the week at home, which is always a bit of a luxury given how often we travel. So, in some way, it is a bit of a ‘home’ race for me! Secondly, I love the track. It’s one of the most famous in Formula One and known for its out-and-out speed, big braking zones and some amazing corner combinations.
“And, finally, of course, it is where I won my first Formula One race back in 2020. A memory which will for sure last a lifetime and something I reflect on regularly.“
Seat secured for Franco Colapinto, eyes on Monza
Franco Colapinto comes to the 2026 F1 Italian GP on the back of major news. He has officially secured his seat with the team alongside Pierre Gasly for next season.
Expressing gratitude to Flavio Briatore and Steve Nielsen for their continued trust, the Argentine driver sees the contract extension as recognition of the firm progress made with both the car and his personal development behind the wheel.
With his future decided, his attention turns completely to Monza and elevating the team’s position in the championship standings.
“It’s been quite a busy couple of weeks for me since we were back racing in Zandvoort after the summer shutdown. I’m delighted that, in the gap ahead of Monza, the team have confirmed that I’ll be staying next year, alongside Pierre. I want to reiterate my thanks to Flavio and Steve for the trust and it feels amazing to stay with this team for another season.
“We’ve made a lot of important progress this year, both with the car and with my driving, so I’m very pleased that has been recognised and I’ll continue to do my best for this team. But, for now, our full focus is on Monza and our championship position.“
Colapinto targets points in the 2026 F1 Italian GP
Returning to the circuit where he made his F1 debut, Colapinto is set to run the team’s latest upgrade package for the first time. After encouraging initial data from Gasly’s car in Zandvoort, the focus will be on getting up to speed quickly during Friday practice.
Anticipating intense racing through Monza’s high-speed straights and heavy braking zones, the Argentine driver aims to secure a strong result for the team.
“I made my F1 debut at this track and it is always a pleasure to race here in front of the Italian fans.
“This weekend will be my first with our new upgrade package, which Pierre used last time out, and I’m looking forward to running it from Friday and racing with it this weekend. The step looked to be promising and we will be working hard to get up to speed with the changes as quickly as possible.
“Monza will be a very interesting race with this generation of cars, the long straights combined with very strong braking zones could produce a lot of action so we will make sure we set ourselves up as best we can for a positive result in the final European double-header.”
Rookie is back behind the wheel for free practice
Alpine’s reserve driver Paul Aron will step into Alpine’s cockpit for Free Practice 1 on Friday morning.
“I am looking forward to driving again in Free Practice 1 with the team this weekend; I am grateful to the team for giving me the opportunity to get back behind the wheel so soon.
“I was very pleased with my session in Budapest, and I hope to build on it this time around, particularly helping the team compare our latest upgrade package which I have driven in the simulator. It’s going to be a busy weekend for me as I’ll be on the simulator at Enstone on Friday night to further help the team fine tune the set-up before returning to the track on Saturday.
“I’ll give it my all to hopefully assist the team in having a successful weekend.”
More was possible at Zandvoort for Alpine, now their focus is on Monza
Alpine’s managing director Steve Nielsen looks back on Zandvoort with mixed feelings. Although he was pleased with the points that Gasly garnered, Nielsen claimed that more was possible.
With the new upgrade package now fitted to both cars, the goal at the 2026 F1 Italian GP is to get both drivers fighting inside the points zone.
“We head to Monza off the back of a positive return to racing – post summer shutdown – last time out in Zandvoort. We were actually a little disappointed in the end to only come away with two points as, on reflection, and, given the circumstances of Sunday’s race, more was probably possible.
“The upgrade we brought to Pierre’s car was good and worked as expected and we are pleased to bring that to Franco’s car this weekend in Monza. This should give us the platform to have both cars up there and competing for points, but we know we have more work to do to extract the most from our package.
“Monza is one of the great Formula One circuits and usually provides some excellent racing. We’ll begin the weekend with Paul Aron in Pierre’s car for his latest Free Practice 1 outing. There’s plenty of work for him to do to hopefully set us on our way for a positive weekend.”
