Alpine's 2026 Formula 1 car completed a successful debut shakedown at Silverstone, providing a confidence boost as the team transitions to Mercedes power units. Pierre Gasly ran 140 kilometers in rainy conditions, praising the team's preparation. The test highlights Alpine's focus after a disappointing 2025 season.
The Alpine Formula 1 team described its initial shakedown of the A526 car at Silverstone on Wednesday as a "good confidence boost," marking the start of its partnership with Mercedes as a customer team for the 2026 regulations.
Renault, Alpine's owner, ended its in-house engine program in Viry-Chatillon due to past performance issues, opting instead to join McLaren and Williams in using Mercedes power units. The A526, equipped with the new Mercedes power unit and gearbox, faced glacial and rainy conditions during the filming day. Driver Pierre Gasly managed 140 out of the allowed 200 kilometers before weather and fading light halted proceedings.
Technical director David Sanchez, speaking at the team's 2026 launch in Barcelona aboard the MSC World Europa cruise ship, emphasized the importance of the trouble-free run. "Out of the box, being able to clock laps and not stopping is a good confidence boost," Sanchez said. He noted that completing the full 200 kilometers would have been straightforward without the weather interruptions, allowing the team to resume testing in Barcelona without immediate concerns.
Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore highlighted the unusual radio silence during the session as positive. "For the first time in my long time in Formula 1, the car goes out, comes back, goes out and never comes back... Nobody was talking. This was the good news," he said. The team covered under 150 kilometers due to aquaplaning risks.
Gasly commended the Enstone-based squad's efforts, especially amid reports of Williams skipping the upcoming Barcelona shakedown due to delays. "The whole point of the test was to get the car out on track, which was done successfully," Gasly stated. "Big credit to the guys... It was very valuable running."
This early reliability is encouraging for Mercedes High Performance Powertrains, which completed its full 200 kilometers later in the week. Coming off a last-place finish in the 2025 championship, Alpine has shifted resources to the 2026 project.
