Pierre Gasly says F1 drivers must be ‘smart’ with divisive qualifying issue due to 2026 regulations

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Pierre Gasly has admitted that Formula 1 drivers have to be ‘smart’ to deal with one aspect of qualifying due to the sport’s new regulations.

Gasly, 30, is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, having previously raced for Toro Rosso and Red Bull before joining Alpine. 

So far in the 2026 campaign, the Frenchman has finished 10th, sixth and seventh, collecting 16 points, putting him ahead of Max Verstappen in the overall standings.

One of the major talking points in 2026 has been the sport’s new regulations, which were brought in to promote better on-track action.

However, the new rules have been met with criticism, with drivers raising driveability and safety concerns.

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Pierre Gasly speaks out on Formula 1’s 2026 regulations

Speaking recently to French news outlet L’Equipe, Gasly compared the new regulations to playing chess, which is something he loves doing. 

The 30-year-old also stated that the new rules have resulted in him learning a new way of driving. He also explained that drivers will have to be ‘smart’ in picking the right moment to get back on the throttle.

Gasly said: “I see this new way of driving as a game of chess. And since I love chess, I play a lot, so it suits me. It’s complicated because you have to relearn a different driving style and you have to have this ability to analyse in real time. It’s not necessarily so bad.

“On a qualifying lap, honestly, there’s that part where you can gain a few hundredths of a second on a specific point. I just want to do what’s fastest and get back on the gas every time I feel I can.

“And on certain tracks like Suzuka, there are certain moments where you have to be a little bit smart about how you get back on the gas.”

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READ MORE: Pierre Gasly reveals how he nullified Max Verstappen during intense Suzuka battle

Flavio Briatore says Alpine will not ‘stand still’ after promising start to 2026

After an encouraging start to the season, Alpine will be looking to continue their early momentum next weekend when F1 returns with the Miami Grand Prix.

As reported by F1, after the Japanese Grand Prix, Flavio Briatore claimed that Alpine are in the mix with Red Bull. 

Briatore said: “With the short break, we absolutely won’t stand still and will be working hard at Enstone to add more performance to the car and continue to give equal opportunity to both drivers to perform and score points.”