Pierre Gasly has pinpointed the key area in which he expects to see Alpine\u2019s incoming new Managing Director Steve Nielsen making an impact ahead of his arrival at the squad on September 1.<\/p>\n
Following the departure of Oliver Oakes<\/a> from the position of Team Principal back in May, the squad\u2019s Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has been covering the duties previously performed by Oakes.<\/p>\n However, it was announced in July that the Enstone-based outfit have recruited Nielsen to oversee the day-to-day running of Alpine<\/a> as of September.<\/p>\n It marks a return to the team for Nielsen, who enjoyed stints with the squad under their previous guises as Benetton, Renault and Lotus. The Briton has also worked for teams such as Tyrrell, Honda, Toro Rosso and Arrows, as well as spending time at governing body the FIA.<\/p>\n Nielsen leaves his role as Chief Motorsports Operations Officer, Sporting, at commercial rights holder F1 to take up his new position at Alpine<\/a>, and Gasly believes that his focus will need to be on the 2026 season when he arrives.<\/p>\n \u201cThe reality of it is the car has been the same since Barcelona and will remain the same until the end of the year,\u201d the French driver explained during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. \u201cOn one side, you’ve got to be objective and realistic on what’s achievable.<\/p>\n \u201cSteve will arrive in September, and I think his impact and his work will be mainly seen on 2026 and beyond. Honestly, Steve’s got to focus on next year. We know all the work that we are putting for 2026. We are pleased with what we are doing and the evolution.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m confident. I believe in the team and the fact that they’ll be able to give me a competitive car next year.\u201d<\/p>\n