Racing Bulls principal Alan Permane stated that Alpine's jump to fifth in the 2026 Formula 1 constructors' standings is expected, given their focus on the new car. The team shifted resources from their 2025 challenger last May, finishing last that year but now ahead of Red Bull after three grands prix. Permane anticipates upgrades to boost Racing Bulls in the midfield battle.
Alpine halted development on its 2025 car at the end of May, accepting a last-place finish in the constructors' championship to prioritize its 2026 project. This season, the team sits fifth with 22 points after three races, matching its full 2025 total. Pierre Gasly qualified seventh in both China and Japan, finishing sixth and seventh, contributing 16 points while holding off Max Verstappen for much of the Suzuka race. Gasly's performances highlight Alpine's pace with the Mercedes power unit, as Permane noted: “We knew they were going to the Mercedes power unit, so we felt they would be very decent in that shape. They spent all their available time on the 2026 car.” Racing Bulls has had mixed results, qualifying fifth-fastest in Melbourne, eighth in Shanghai and seventh in Suzuka. Drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad have scored 14 points combined. Permane acknowledged starting on the back foot after late 2025 development: “We developed our car late into the year, so we expected to start a little bit on the back foot.” The team plans major upgrades for Miami and Montreal, with the latter replacing the former, plus smaller updates and two or three large ones by the August shutdown. April's Middle Eastern rounds were cancelled due to the Iran war, prompting the double-upgrade strategy. Permane expressed confidence: “I'm very confident that we can stay with that group – we're kind of in a group of four, which is Alpine, Haas and Audi.”
