Alpine Formula 1 team unveiled its A526 challenger for the 2026 season aboard a cruise ship in Barcelona, marking a new era with Mercedes power units and gearboxes. After sacrificing 2025 development to focus on the regulatory overhaul, team leaders emphasized that there are now no excuses for underperformance. Drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto expressed confidence in the team's renewed focus and unity.
The Alpine F1 team kicked off its 2026 campaign with a buoyant launch event on the MSC World Europa cruise liner in Barcelona. Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto removed the covers from the A526 under the ship's Panorama Lounge chandeliers, signaling a fresh start after years of challenges with its in-house power unit at Viry-Chatillon.
In 2025, Alpine's power unit deficit—often 3-5 tenths per race—forced an early abandonment of aerodynamic development, resulting in just 22 points, all scored by Gasly in the first half of the 24-round season. Jack Doohan and later Colapinto failed to score. Executive advisor Flavio Briatore described the decision as emotionally difficult but necessary: "Emotionally, I think it was a very difficult decision to make. Let's see, only the future tells if we are right or not."
The switch to Mercedes customer engines was Briatore's sole condition for joining the team, despite his earlier denial of involvement. "The moment when Luca de Meo was talking about joining the team, [there was] only one condition for me to join the team, which was to have a Mercedes-Benz engine," he stated. This move, decided by Renault CEO Luca de Meo in late 2024 amid Viry protests, allows Enstone to prioritize chassis and aero improvements.
A successful 140km shakedown at Silverstone boosted confidence, with technical director David Sanchez noting: "Out of the box, being able to clock laps and not stopping is a good confidence boost." Gasly praised the team's mindset: "I've been very impressed with the mindset and mentality of the team throughout the whole year... I fully believe in the team."
Colapinto, entering his first full season at 22, appears more mature after winter simulator work. Briatore highlighted his growth: "This year, you see the face of Franco, like he's much more mature... The problem of Franco was mostly qualifying." Colapinto added: "As a team there are no more excuses... It is the moment to go and to get the results that the team deserves."
With early wind tunnel work starting January 2—giving three to four months' advantage—Briatore aims for a top-five or six finish: "Nobody is talking about engines anymore... now it's our engineering." The team anticipates the Barcelona shakedown week, Bahrain, and Australia races with renewed optimism after 2025's trials strengthened internal bonds.
