Gasly expects a challenging weekend in Baku, Alonso confident about the future
F1. Present at the press conference on Thursday, Pierre Gasly believes he is going to have another difficult weekend with Alpine at the Azerbaijan GP. Beside him, Fernando Alonso seemed impatient to see what the future holds for Aston Martin.
The painful season for Alpine continues this weekend in Baku in Formula 1 and it is not certain that we will see a resurgence of the French team's form. Antepenultimate in the constructors' championship with just 13 points, the French team had a difficult Grand Prix at Monza fifteen days ago. Its two drivers crossed the finish line in 14th and 15th places with a lap down on the winner Charles Leclerc.
With portions similar to the Italian layout, the Baku circuit does not seem to be favorable to the French single-seater. The last race was disappointing and difficult in Monza, which, as we know, did not suit our setup, and objectively, Baku was also difficult last year," Gasly expressed in the press conference. "We have a car similar to the one in Monza, so, on paper, [the Azerbaijan GP] doesn't seem to be an easy weekend."
The specific features of the Baku circuit can, however, bring their share of surprises. It's a weekend where anything can happen, so let's hope we can capitalize on the opportunities that arise insists the Frenchman.
This end of the season will however allow the new Alpine team director, Oliver Oakes, to continue his acclimatization after his arrival a few weeks ago. "I am still getting to know him," said Gasly. "It's a big change [...] So far, everything has gone well, and I'm sure he is finding his bearings. We are working on it in the right way."
Alonso will drive in 2026, and even after
Next to Pierre Gasly, Fernando Alonso seemed relaxed. With the arrival of Adrian Newey in the ranks of Aston Martin for 2025, the British team can confidently think about the future. Questioned about his future, the Spanish driver said he would still be present for two seasons in the paddock: "I will be driving in 2026 [...] And after 2026, I will be driving, in Formula 1 or in another series, but with the Aston Martin team."
Questioned about the possibility of believing in a third world title in F1 (after 2005 and 2006), the former Renault driver was cautious and is waiting to see the evolutions of his team. "We cannot predict the future, but we have good things coming in the team. I am aware that these things take time to come together and I do not have much time, but I am relaxed and enjoying the adventure," he said. Alonso expects to experience (at least) two more exciting seasons, as he thinks Aston Martin is the team of the future.
