Gasly is positive about Alpine’s chances: “We have a lot more potential to unlock”

Written by Bo Helmus

Gasly and Colapinto both managed to get into SQ3 in Miami | Credit: Formula One

Alpine have come a long way from last in the constructors’ standings to a proper midfield team battling for good positions. Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly have already scored some good points this year, and it looks like they are continuing their streak in Miami.

If you would have told Flavio Briatore that Alpine would be tied with Red Bull in the constructors’ standings last year, he would have laughed in your face. But this is the reality in 2026. Gasly has outqualified and outscored Verstappen in most sessions this year. As for Miami, both Alpines made their way into SQ3, securing good starting positions. 

Car has improved

Colapinto had some issues with the car in the previous races, but the situation has improved: "I'm happy because we turned around something that was quite tough and it took us a while to understand and I think we are finally getting in the rhythm and understanding some of the pace that we lacked." 

Colapinto is still getting used to the A525 | Credit: Formula One

The Argentinian is feeling confident: "Doing good laps all day on a track that I know, on a Sprint weekend which is more difficult. Just all very positive today. I think the pace is looking strong, compared to the midfield cars we are looking good."

The month off has been well spent for the French team: "I think it's been a good break for us to kind of reset and go again, understand where we need to work and we worked I think really well in the right direction. I'm pleased with the performance today but of course it's just the start of the weekend.”

High expectations

On the other side of the garage, Gasly is slightly less optimistic: "Not really good because it has been very difficult since this morning. We've seen something is not quite working on my side and I'm having a lot of wheelspin."

Gasly is comfortable and scoring good points | Credit: Formula One

The Frenchman has gotten used to his good results, so tenth place is not something to be happy about: "Unfortunately we didn't really have enough time to get to the bottom of it but it hasn't felt good so we'll have to work hard to improve it for tomorrow because I think I'm going to struggle in the race as it stands.”

However, getting both cars in the top ten is a good result for the team: "Still, [we] managed to get the two cars in the top 10 which is good but we just have a lot more potential to unlock."

Can Alpine keep this up? We’ll find out this weekend.