Following a dramatic crash in Japan involving Ollie Bearman and the slower-moving Franco Colapinto, Gasly's Alpine teammate, scrutiny on F1's 2026 rules over battery deployment has only increased.

Several drivers had already voiced their concerns with the 2026 regulations, not least Gasly's former Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen, who has likened current F1 racing to "Mario Kart" and "Formula E on steroids."

Gasly, however, has opted for calm over the new rules, stressing that a driver's skill still plays a crucial role in this year's racing and that F1's April break is a good opportunity to get the sport in "better shape."

Speaking to media post-Suzuka, the 30-year-old said: "I think, honestly, there's a bit too much negativity around it and I don't like that.

"I really think that we still take too much away from the drivers. When you're driving in sector 1 [at Suzuka] and you've got a certain grip, it doesn't really matter. The battery, all these things, you've still got to be at the limit of the grip you get given.

"Definitely, I agree with what others are feeling, the battery management, etc. I think we all agree. We all see the same stuff. We all speak the same language. We all want the sport to be as good as it can be. I'm sure we'll do what's best.

"It's a bit of a review. I'm sure [during the] break everyone's going to make the best of it to try to get the F1 in better shape."

The Frenchman also reflected on his battle with Verstappen in Suzuka, which went all the way to the line as the pair scrapped for P7.

2026 has already been a much better season for Gasly and Alpine, who finished dead-last in the Constructors' last year.

The former Red Bull man has scored in every Grand Prix so far, and sits in P8 in the standings on 15 points, three ahead of four-time world champion Verstappen.