From Monza
Pierre Gasly and Alpine’s pole position at Monza will remain one of the most unpredictable and at the same time emblematic results of Formula 1 2026. The all-French pairing managed to take advantage of a car that has improved significantly with recent updates, but above all succeeded in the very delicate task of putting everything together, from the technical side to the sporting side. The same cannot be said for Ferrari, which still pays the price for the power deficit compared to Mercedes, the big loser of the day.
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Gasly’s pole
On the eve, no one would have predicted a Gasly pole position at Monza, a scenario, however, that became increasingly realistic during a qualifying session in which both Alpines were consistently fast. The updates introduced in the Netherlands and fitted in Italy also on Colapinto’s car undoubtedly allowed the A526 to make a leap forward, as evidenced by the eighth place of the Argentine driver. However, Gasly’s pole mainly comes from a perfect execution on multiple fronts, starting with the French driver’s driving and the positioning of the cars on the track. Alpine deserves credit for guessing the timing of the exit from the pits, making the most of the slipstreams of the competition, essential to perform well at Monza.
When we talk about putting everything together, however, we also refer to the technical side. Hitting the ideal operating window makes even more difference in today’s Formula 1, not only in terms of tires and aerodynamics but also the engine. The new power units have many more parameters to optimize compared to the previous ones, and finding the right settings means triggering a virtuous circle. Conversely, having good balance and a stable car in corners also benefits energy management, on a generation of cars where engine and aerodynamics are closely interconnected.
Gasly’s pole thus becomes the symbol of a Formula 1 never so focused on execution, as Leclerc also observes: “I think with these cars, as soon as you are slightly outside the optimal window of the power unit, you really lose a lot, while doing everything perfectly can make a big difference. I think Alpine and Pierre today did everything perfectly.”
Mercedes, horsepower and energy are not enough
The big losers of the day are George Russell and Mercedes, who will also start the race from the dirty side of the grid. It is true that in launching for the final attempt Verstappen hindered Antonelli and then Russell at Parabolica, but that does not take away that the W17 was the favorite car for pole. The Silver Arrows could count on excellent straight-line speed, thanks not only to the engine but also to efficient aerodynamics and effective energy management. The impression of the competition, especially Leclerc, was that Mercedes could exploit the electric part on all straights, also thanks to the many horsepower of the thermal engine that allow saving the use of the hybrid in the very first traction phases.
Despite this, Russell and Mercedes missed the pole appointment, now exposing themselves to the risk of being behind a Ferrari after the First Chicane. Antonelli, instead, stopped at seventh position, but it would be pointless to judge the Italian’s qualifying. Kimi made his attempt in Q3 with more fuel on board to then give a slipstream to Russell, a task that also held him back from taking excessive risks, with a car, moreover, prepared mainly for the race. His priority will be to avoid contacts at the start, then try to build a comeback to the points zone, hoping for help from the Safety Car
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Ferrari, beyond horsepower, execution is missing
The Maranello team thanks the penalties of others and the narrowly avoided elimination in Q2, monopolizing a decent second row. On one hand, there is awareness within Ferrari that Monza is one of the worst tracks for the SF-26, still struggling on the straight despite the updated power unit. The qualifying session was also not free from technical problems behind the scenes related to the battery and energy management software, the same that almost cost a premature elimination.
At the same time, however, Ferrari failed to put everything together, both from a technical point of view, with mechanical and software setup, and from a sporting one. The most serious episode was Hamilton’s delayed exit on his first Q3 attempt due to missing tires on the car, a setback that forced Lewis to complete the first lap without a slipstream. On the other hand, the seven-time world champion praised the progress compared to Friday in terms of balance, feeling much more comfortable with the SF-26.
Problems also for Verstappen and McLaren
Behind the two Ferraris will start Max Verstappen, whose fourth place has a bittersweet taste. Red Bull reaped the fruits of the setup work done overnight, with the RB22 proving much more balanced in FP3 compared to Friday. However, the team then touched something too much ahead of qualifying, losing the balance found earlier. From Q2 onwards, Verstappen also felt again the breakage of a mechanical component on the rear axle, reporting at that point a car struggling in slow corners, on curbs and bumps, problems also experienced with older generation Red Bulls.
Behind the Dutch champion will start the two McLarens, separated by a solid Colapinto Alpine. The lack of straight-line speed limited the ambitions of the MCL40s, which however showed flashes of front-row potential. Unfortunately for the papaya team, execution was missing, especially in terms of track positioning for the correct exploitation of slipstreams. Piastri’s mistake at the First Chicane, moreover, forced Norris to face his lap without a slipstream, to which was added a problem felt throughout qualifying with the brakes, inconsistent and dragging on one side. McLaren’s Saturday is yet another proof of a Formula 1 where, now more than ever, to stay ahead you need to put everything together, as excellently done by Alpine. Dreaming of victory is legitimate for Pierre Gasly, even if energy management promises a very eventful race with lots of action on track.
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