Franco Colapinto’s 10th-place finish at the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix safeguarded Alpine’s position in the midfield battle against Racing Bulls, yet both Colapinto and Pierre Gasly voiced concerns over their car’s performance. Despite the point secured by Colapinto, both drivers acknowledged the need for substantial improvements to their current package at Spa-Francorchamps.
Alpine began the season strongly, emerging as the standout team in the midfield in early races, culminating in a podium finish for Gasly in Monaco. However, the recent performance trends suggest a decline, coinciding with Racing Bulls implementing upgrades that have brought them level with Alpine at 61 points in the Championship.
Franco Colapinto’s Mixed Fortunes at Spa
Colapinto expressed satisfaction with securing a point, emphasising that achieving this result under challenging conditions, especially ahead of both an Audi and a Racing Bulls car, was a real achievement. However, he was candid about the car’s performance, stating, “We are struggling a little bit with the car,” indicating that the pace is insufficient when compared to their immediate competitors.
The Challenges Faced by Pierre Gasly
Pierre Gasly, who had scored in the opening seven Grands Prix of the season, has faced a downturn, managing just one point in the last three rounds. His race at Spa was marred by a starting issue, which saw him lose positions right off the line. He later lamented his difficulties in overtaking Liam Lawson, reflecting on a frustrating experience that culminated with his finishing just outside the points.
Alpine’s Need for Urgent Technical Improvements
Gasly starkly summarised Alpine’s predicament by declaring, “it is not good enough.” With a substantial gap from the front-runners in the current standings, the team faces questions about when their next real upgrade will arrive, particularly as their competitors continue to advance. Meanwhile, Colapinto hoped that the characteristics of the Hungaroring may play more to their car’s strengths in the upcoming race.
The SportiveNews view
Alpine’s struggles at Spa highlight the urgent need for technical upgrades as they grapple with being outpaced by direct rivals. The tied points situation with Racing Bulls intensifies the pressure on the team to enhance their performance, especially with the Hungarian Grand Prix approaching. Strategic decisions regarding upgrades will be critical to regain momentum in the second half of the season.
Frequently asked questions
What were the key issues for Alpine at the Belgian Grand Prix?
Alpine faced real performance issues at Spa, with both drivers indicating dissatisfaction with the car’s speed. Colapinto highlighted struggles in several corners compared to competitors, particularly Racing Bulls and Audi, while Gasly encountered technical setbacks that hindered his race strategy.
What does the future hold for Alpine’s performance?
While Alpine has not disclosed the timing for their next major upgrades, both drivers recognise an urgent need for improvement. Gasly specifically noted the slow-speed corners of the upcoming Hungaroring may suit their car better, providing a glimmer of hope for enhanced performance in the next round.
For more insights on the season, visit our Formula 1 coverage and stay updated with the latest technical updates regarding team developments and upgrades.