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Gasly’s strong qualifying performance
Pierre Gasly’s recent qualifying session at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix has ignited excitement among fans and analysts alike. After a challenging previous season, Gasly’s fifth-place finish, which later became fourth due to a penalty for Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli, signals a significant turnaround for the Alpine team. Gasly expressed his surprise at being so close to the top contenders, stating, “I knew after my last corner this lap would put me in a very good place, but I never expected it would put us just four hundredths off the top three.”
Alpine’s strategic changes
The contrast between this season and the last is stark. Following a disappointing performance in the 2024 Bahrain GP, where both Gasly and his then-teammate Esteban Ocon qualified at the back, Alpine underwent a major restructuring. The team adopted a McLaren-style split of responsibilities within the engineering department and brought in ex-Ferrari chief engineer David Sanchez as the new executive technical director. These changes have already begun to pay off, as evidenced by Gasly’s performance in Bahrain.
Addressing power unit challenges
Despite the promising signs, challenges remain, particularly with the current Renault power unit. Gasly noted that the hybrid system’s inefficiency has been a significant hurdle, especially on straights where the car tends to lose electrical augmentation. However, the team’s decision to switch to a Mercedes power unit starting in 2026 is expected to enhance performance significantly. As Carlos Sainz remarked, the Alpine’s speed in certain corners is already comparable to that of McLaren, hinting at the potential for even greater success with improved power units.
Fine-tuning for success
Gasly’s feedback on the car’s handling indicates that Alpine is on the right track. He mentioned, “When the Alpine is on song, it has a much more surefooted front end than last year’s car.” The team is now focused on fine-tuning the vehicle to maximize its performance. Gasly’s confidence in the car’s capabilities is evident as he described how he was able to push the car to its limits during qualifying. The team is aware of the tight competition in the midfield and is determined to convert this potential into points as the season progresses.
Looking ahead
With the momentum gained from the Bahrain GP, Gasly and the Alpine team are optimistic about the upcoming races. The improvements made to the A525, particularly in high-speed corners, are a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. Gasly’s journey from qualifying P20 last year to being just three tenths off pole position this season exemplifies the progress made. As the team continues to build on this foundation, fans can expect exciting developments in the 2025 Formula 1 season.