Gasly sees reason for Alpine-Verstappen link: 'I can be World Champion in '26'

16:24, 17 Apr

Updated: 18:16, 17 Apr

byNorberto Mujica

Ralf Schumacher suggested after the Bahrain Grand Prix that Alpine might be a team that fits Max Verstappen well. But can the French race team also make the move to a team that can go for the championship soon? Pierre Gasly answered that question.

Alpine the Right Team for Verstappen?

Gasly was asked by GPblog whether Alpine, after Schumacher's remarks, has made a step towards becoming a top team in the near future. The Frenchman replied: “Well I've said next year I can be world champion so yeah I believe Alpine has got what it takes to fight at the front of the grid.”

Alpine has undergone many changes over the past years. For example, Otmar Szafnauer left the team mid-2023 and Oliver Oakes is now the team boss of the French racing team. Flavio Briatore also returned and it was announced last year that Alpine will be driving with a Mercedes engine in 2026.

Schumacher also stated that Alpine is an option for Verstappen. The German pointed to the performance in Bahrain, where Gasly was only overtaken by the Dutchman in the last tour. Jos Verstappen also knows Briatore from the past, which is why Schumacher did not completely rule out a move from Red Bull Racing to Alpine by the 4-time world champion.