Pierre Gasly crossed the finish line at the Bahrain Grand Prix with a smile that masked a hint of frustration. After a grueling race, he nabbed seventh place, an improvement that highlighted the strides taken by Alpine over the past year.
Gasly’s performance in Bahrain was a stark contrast to the previous season, where Alpine found itself at ‘rock bottom.’ Reflecting on the transformation, Gasly acknowledged the frustrations of losing out to Max Verstappen on the last lap, but remained optimistic about his team’s progress. ‘Crossing the line was kind of like mixed feelings because I absolutely hate losing a position on the last lap, especially after having to work so hard over the last 20 laps, trying to keep Max at bay,’ Gasly shared candidly. Despite the setback, he praised the team for the significant improvements, noting, ‘The car was competitive. Quali was amazing. The race was great — good strategy, good pit stops.’
Although Gasly was aiming for a better position, he couldn’t overlook the positives from the race. He explained how Alpine had managed to secure a fourth-place start in qualifying, setting the stage for their strong finish. The team’s strategy and execution were on point even as they faced challenges, such as a safety car deployment for debris that cost them a higher position. ‘At that time, I had a nice gap on Max, I had a nice gap on Lewis and the guys around,’ Gasly noted. He expressed minor disappointment at the disruption caused by a few bits of carbon on the track but acknowledged that such incidents are part of racing.
Gasly’s reflections also included a look at the team’s journey over the past year. In 2024, a dismal performance saw both Alpine cars finishing 19th and 20th, with Gasly being lapped by Verstappen mid-race. However, the situation has drastically improved, with Alpine now capable of competing closely with top teams. ‘Very different picture 12 months later, we were fighting with him until the last lap,’ Gasly commented, highlighting the hard work and dedication of the team.
While Alpine still has areas to improve, such as low-speed traction, Gasly is pleased with the progress. ‘We know where the current weaknesses are. We know there is some work to do in the car, like some areas which not quite click,’ Gasly admitted. Yet, he is optimistic, attributing the current performance to the tireless efforts of the team at the factory.
In summary, Pierre Gasly’s performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix underscores a remarkable turnaround for Alpine. Despite falling short of a top-six finish, the team’s progress over the past year is evident. Their competitiveness, strategic prowess, and improvements reflect a bright future. As Gasly remains focused on areas that need enhancement, the team can take pride in the gains made, setting a hopeful tone for the rest of the season.
