Pierre Gasly predicts ‘smart drivers’ to have a distinct advantage heading into 2026 F1 season

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With all the changes coming to F1 this season, Pierre Gasly still backs the role of a driver’s smarts in any potential success.

As the 2026 F1 season rapidly approaches, there has been a lot of speculation about the changes that will come to the sport.

With smaller, lighter, and even more aerodynamic cars than years past, drivers are going to have to adjust and adapt to a brand new set of conditions.

These changes are sure to create challenges for the drivers, who will have to adapt as the season goes on and they learn more about the functionality beyond the Australian Grand Prix.

But according to Pierre Gasly, the shrewd operators in the sport will have a decided advantage over others, regardless of their car’s advantages.

Read More: Max Verstappen predicts any ‘good team’ with Mercedes engines to be competitive in 2026

Pierre Gasly expects smarter drivers to dominate despite car conditions

In a recent Q&A with L’Equipe, Fred Ferret was asked by a fan how drivers can still make a big difference in 2026, given the huge changes made to streamline the cars in F1.

As he gave his response, Ferret revealed an interesting tidbit from a conversation with Pierre Gasly, who spoke on the importance of driver smarts ahead of the new season.

“Drivers can still make the difference, as they always have. A good driver is one who knows best how to get the most out of their car and the regulations on the day. Alain Prost worked closely with his engineers.”

“And since no one has yet attended a race, it’s really premature to think that the drivers are just passengers. Pierre Gasly told me yesterday that in 2026, a smart driver with a slower car could finish ahead of a less shrewd driver with a faster car.”

It appears Gasly still backs the elite drivers in F1 to manage the new changes to the car and dominate, even if the technical elements aren’t in their favour.

Aston Martin are currently facing a 38kph deficit to Ferrari’s engine! Do you think they’ll even QUALIFY for the Australian Grand Prix?!

Let us know in the comments below!

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Read More: F1 fans ‘so confused’ after seeing Alpine’s 2026 unique ‘ghost wing’ in action for the first time

Alpine expected to be competitive to start the 2026 campaign

Many reports coming out of testing suggest that Alpine will have an advantage over some of their rivals to start the season.

After a poor 2025 campaign, where much of their failures came down to them making few significant changes to their car from the previous year, Alpine is in a much stronger position this time around after making major changes.

Perhaps Gasly’s confidence in his comments to Ferret was reflective of this advantage Alpine holds as we head to Australia for Race Week 1.

Alpine’s struggles to break out of the mid-table pack over the last few years could end this season if the reports of their improvement in testing turn out to be accurate.