The upcoming 2026 regulations continue to cause friction in the paddock, and Pierre Gasly hasn't minced words. According to the Alpine driver, the extreme complexity of the new cars and the massive automation of systems could relegate drivers to a secondary, almost passive role at the very heart of performance.
Pierre Gasly: "We almost feel like passengers"
With the new powertrains, energy recovery will be largely controlled electronically via the ECU, limiting direct driver intervention. While some settings will remain accessible, the majority of strategic energy-related decisions will be automated.
In addition to this, there is active aerodynamics, capable of automatically deactivating to prevent the use of straight-line mode in certain corners – a system designed for safety, but which further reinforces the feeling of loss of control at the wheel.
Faced with this avalanche of new procedures and technical approaches, gasly He himself acknowledges that he is still in the learning phase:
"There are so many things to consider right now that it's difficult for me to understand everything.", he explains.
gasly It particularly highlights the strategic unpredictability introduced by the new engines:
"Engine manufacturers will be able to deploy power differently depending on the straights, which will make reading the race much more complex."
But the most striking point remains his observation on the role of the pilot:
"We feel more like we're on the passenger side in terms of what we can do in the car."
Traditionally, energy management and a deep understanding of the engine were integral parts of a driver's skill. However, gasly questions the real place of these skills in an F1 that is increasingly dictated by algorithms.
According to him, even the most mentally gifted drivers could be limited by a lack of real tools to influence energy strategy during a race. In short: understanding will no longer necessarily be enough to act.
Another concern raised is the inability to anticipate the behavior of other engine manufacturers. Unlike the current era, where engine trends are known, 2026 could see highly variable energy deployments from one straight to the next, complicating duels and tactical reading on the track.
gasly He also sums up the situation with a touch of irony: « Starting from pole position might become the simplest solution… while overtaking is likely to be even more difficult.
