Alpine’s driver Pierre Gasly reflected on the need for change after the F1 2026 Japanese GP, but highlights that driver skill is still relevant even with the new regulations.
Gasly has been one of the stars of the F1 2026 season, scoring points in all three races so far. The Frenchman finished P10 in Australia, P6 in China, and P7 in Japan.
Gasly seems to have proven that Alpine’s past efforts for the new era were not in vain. The Enstone-based team has managed to put their car P5 in the constructors’ championship, behind Haas but ahead of Red Bull Racing.
After another great result in Suzuka, Gasly still echoed the cry for change in regards to the 2026 regulations. Drivers have been vocal about their worries and have urged repeatedly that the FIA implement solutions.
The complaints were exacerbated after Bearman’s crash in the 2026 F1 Japanese GP. As Colapinto’s battery ran out of electrical energy, there was a sudden 50+ km/h speed differential between the Alpine and the Haas, which caused the Brit to swerve and crash into the barriers outside of the Spoon curve.
Gasly on Bearman’s and Colapinto’s near miss at 2026 F1 Japanese GP
After the race in the print media pen, the French driver was asked about Bearman’s crash. Pierre Gasly said he still needed to review it, but that it looked bad and he was glad to hear the young Brit was okay.
When asked about whether the closing speed issues needed to be addressed, he added:
“Yeah, it’s something which is quite new in this field. We didn’t have that in the past. Between power units, etc., there’s quite different strategies.
“I think we all agree that the whole thing is a bit of a review.
“I’m sure, it’s like four or five weeks away, everyone’s going to make the best of it to try to get the F1 in a better shape.”
Gasly: “We all want the sport to be as good as it can be”
Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled, leaving a five-week break until the next race in Miami.
After a difficult start and many complaints about the F1 2026 regulations, teams hope that the pause will bring improvements.
While speaking on this, Gasly noted that drivers’ skills are still relevant and can make a difference within the new era.
“I think, honestly, I find that there’s a bit too much negativity around it and I don’t like that,” he said after the F1 2026 Japanese GP.
“I really think that we still take too much away from the drivers. When you’re driving in sector one and you’ve got a certain grip, it doesn’t really matter. The battery, all these things, you’ve still got to be at the limit of the grip you get given.”
Nonetheless, Pierre Gasly agreed with other drivers on the need for change regarding the 2026 F1 regulations.
“But yeah, definitely I agree with all this, with what others are feeling [about] the battery management, etc. I think we all agree.
“As I said, I believe in F1. I think we all agree that we all see the same stuff, we all speak the same language, we all want the sport to be as good as it can be and I’m sure we’ll do what’s best.”
