The 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone was a rollercoaster of emotions for the BWT Alpine Formula One Team, with Pierre Gasly delivering a standout performance that marked the team’s best result of the season. Against the backdrop of a challenging 2025 campaign, where Alpine has struggled at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship, Gasly’s sixth-place finish in a rain-soaked, chaotic race was a beacon of hope for the Enstone-based squad. Meanwhile, teammate Franco Colapinto faced misfortune, underscoring the contrasting fortunes within the team during a pivotal weekend at their home race.
What a crazy race! Absolutely loved every lap of it! P6 for us. Amazing result for the whole team, very proud of them. We are not in the best place right now, but we keep fighting every single time and today it paid off. Huge congrats to @hulkhulkenberg , been long time coming,… pic.twitter.com/Ym8ikKdkkW
— PIERRE GASLY 🇫🇷 (@PierreGASLY) July 6, 2025
A Weekend of Struggles and Surprises
Alpine arrived at Silverstone with tempered expectations. The team’s A525 car has been plagued by a lack of upgrades and an underpowered engine, making it a tough contender on power-sensitive circuits like Silverstone. The weekend started poorly, with Gasly languishing in P19, P18, and P20 across the three practice sessions, while Colapinto showed flashes of promise but struggled with consistency. Gasly described the car as “not very kind” and admitted the team was bracing for a potential Q1 exit in qualifying.
Despite these challenges, Gasly pulled off a remarkable turnaround in qualifying. After scraping through Q1 in 15th, he produced a “magic” Q2 lap, pushing the car to its absolute limit to secure a spot in Q3 and qualify 10th with a time of 1:25.785. Penalties for other drivers elevated him to eighth on the grid, a result he described as “unreal” given the car’s struggles. Colapinto, however, suffered a setback, spinning at the final corner in Q1 and clipping the wall, which forced Alpine to start him from the pitlane after making changes under parc ferme conditions.
Race Day: Gasly’s Masterclass in Mixed Conditions
The British Grand Prix on July 6, 2025, was a spectacle defined by treacherous weather, with rain creating a strategic minefield. Gasly’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. Opting to stay on intermediate tires at the start—a decision that proved correct as others struggled on premature slick tire choices—he made a strong getaway, running as high as fifth early in the race. His ability to navigate the mixed conditions without error was pivotal, as he battled with the likes of Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen.
Gasly’s strategic acumen and driving precision shone through. By Lap 24, he was holding sixth behind Nico Hulkenberg, fending off challenges from Hamilton, Alonso, and Verstappen. When the track began to dry, Alpine’s timely switch to medium tires allowed Gasly to maintain his position. In a dramatic final lap, he overtook Lance Stroll to secure sixth place, a result that nearly doubled Alpine’s points tally for the season. “I don’t really know what to say. It’s our best result of the year, and to do it here at Silverstone in these conditions is just incredible,” Gasly said post-race. “Battling with Fernando, Lewis, and Max felt a bit unreal at times.”
Colapinto’s Disappointment and Team Dynamics
While Gasly celebrated, Franco Colapinto’s weekend ended in frustration. After showing promise in practice—outpacing Gasly in FP3 and staying close in earlier sessions—his Q1 crash set the tone for a difficult weekend. A technical issue, reportedly a transmission problem, prevented him from even starting the race, leaving him pointless for the season and under increasing pressure. Team advisor Flavio Briatore, known for his high expectations, expressed disappointment, with rumors swirling about potential driver changes, including interest in Valtteri Bottas.
The contrast between Gasly and Colapinto highlighted Alpine’s ongoing challenges. Gasly has been the team’s sole points scorer in 2025, carrying the weight of their campaign. His performance at Silverstone was a testament to his resilience and ability to extract the maximum from a car that, by his own admission, is not where the team wants it to be.
A Boost for Alpine’s Morale
For Alpine, Silverstone was more than just a race—it was a homecoming. The Enstone facility, just a short drive from the circuit, has been the heart of the team’s operations since its days as Toleman, Benetton, Renault, and Lotus. The presence of team members in the stands added emotional weight to Gasly’s result. “To produce our best Sunday of the season at our home base made it sweeter,” he noted, praising the team’s persistent mentality.
Team boss Flavio Briatore, despite his concerns about the team’s overall performance, acknowledged the significance of Gasly’s P6. The result was a rare bright spot in a season where Alpine has struggled to convert qualifying pace into race results, often due to poor tire management and an underpowered engine. Gasly’s ability to capitalize on the chaotic conditions and the team’s strategic calls provided a much-needed boost as they head into the second half of the 2025 season.
Looking Ahead
Gasly’s Silverstone performance was a reminder of his talent and determination, qualities that have seen him secure five career podiums, including two with Alpine in 2023 and 2024. However, the team’s lack of upgrades and persistent engine deficits remain significant hurdles. With no major developments planned for the A525, Gasly’s ability to “put our elbows out” and fight with the current package will be crucial.
As Alpine looks to turn their season around, Gasly’s P6 at Silverstone serves as a rallying point. For Colapinto, the pressure is on to deliver, with Briatore’s scrutiny intensifying. The British Grand Prix showcased Alpine’s potential to seize opportunities in unpredictable conditions, but it also underscored the work needed to compete consistently in the ultra-competitive midfield. For now, Gasly’s heroics at Silverstone have ignited a spark of hope for Alpine’s redemption quest, proving that even in their darkest moments, they can shine on one of Formula 1’s most iconic stages.