Pierre Gasly’s eighth-place finish in Canada marked a welcome continuation of his points-scoring streak, despite underlying issues with his Alpine Formula 1 car persisting throughout the weekend.
The French driver has been a standout performer in the 2026 season, but a mysterious change in his car’s behavior has hindered his progress in recent rounds, particularly in low-speed traction situations.
Technical Troubles
Gasly’s struggles began in Miami, where he reported a change in his car’s handling, which was also evident in the data, according to the driver. “It’s been the same thing since the first lap in practice in Miami,” Gasly explained, highlighting the need to understand the root cause of the issue.
Alpine’s aerodynamic upgrades, introduced since Miami, appear to be working as expected, with team-mate Franco Colapinto thriving in the updated car. However, it remains unclear whether these upgrades have contributed to Gasly’s difficulties.
Investigation Ongoing
Gasly and his team have been working to identify the cause of the problem, trying various set-up changes and even reverting to an older floor configuration. The team’s managing director, Steve Nielsen, praised the Enstone squad for their perseverance, stating that they “didn’t panic” and continued to work towards finding a solution.
Nielsen acknowledged that Gasly’s car had been lacking downforce compared to Colapinto’s, but noted that this issue seemed to dissipate during the race. The team will continue to analyze the data to determine the cause of the discrepancy.
Racing On
Despite the challenges, Gasly delivered a strong race performance on Sunday, describing it as “good damage limitation.” The Frenchman’s ability to adapt and secure points in difficult circumstances has been a hallmark of his 2026 season.
As the Formula 1 paddock heads to Monaco, Gasly and his team will be focused on resolving the ongoing technical issues and regaining their early-season momentum. With the Monaco Grand Prix notorious for its demanding layout, Gasly’s ability to overcome his current struggles will be crucial in determining his success.
The upcoming race will provide a significant test for Gasly and Alpine, as they seek to address the underlying problems and return to their competitive form. With the team’s determination and Gasly’s driving skills, they will be looking to make a strong impression in the principality.
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