Last in the Constructors’ standings, only 22 points scored, a mid-season driver swap, and several costly crashes, Alpine hit rock bottom during the 2025 Formula One season.
Now, the 2026 F1 season presents a redemption opportunity for the Enstone-based outfit.
If you ask what is giving Alpine hope, the answer lies in the much-talked-about sweeping 2026 F1 regulations. These new rules provide a clean slate for everyone, and whoever masters them could dominate the next few years.
Can Alpine exploit these changes in its favour? How is Alpine’s new Mercedes powertrain functioning, and what do we know so far from the initial testing? In this preview, we analyse the new Alpine car, driver dynamics, and key 2026 developments heading into the season.
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Alpine F1 2025 Season Recap
The 2025 season was one of the team’s weakest in history. The Enstone-based squad finished bottom of the Constructors’ Championship with only 22 points, all scored by Pierre Gasly.
The pattern of poor qualifying followed by lacklustre Sunday performances was prevalent throughout the season. Alpine mostly finished outside the points. There was also instability, as driver Jack Doohan and team principal Oliver Oakes were both removed mid-season.
Alpine stopped development early to shift full focus onto the 2026 project. Team leadership, including Flavio Briatore, later admitted mistakes were made and expressed optimism for the season ahead.
Alpine F1 2026: A526, Mercedes Power Unit and Testing Analysis
After a disappointing 2025 campaign, team management has emphasized technical discipline and long-term competitiveness as core pillars of the Alpine project. A new powertrain partnership with Mercedes was announced, bringing an end to Renault’s works engine programme.
Alpine officially launched its 2026 car, the A526, at a Barcelona event on 23 January 2026. The A526 has been designed under the new F1 regulations, featuring revised aerodynamics, a heavier emphasis on active aero systems, and full Mercedes power unit integration.
The team has completed two testing phases so far. The first was a private shakedown in Barcelona, followed by official Bahrain pre-season testing. These sessions allowed Alpine to fine-tune systems and gather valuable data. The team appeared to show more developmental maturity than some competitors.
Twin-entry sidepods, an optimised rear diffuser, and pull-rod front suspension were introduced to maximise regulation-compliant downforce and airflow management. A major focus has been placed on floor design and outwash efficiency, a critical factor under the 2026 aero rules. This potentially gives Alpine a strong aerodynamic baseline.
With the switch to Mercedes power, a significant improvement in driveability and power delivery is expected compared to the 2025 Renault-based engine. During Bahrain pre-season testing, the team posted respectable lap times and demonstrated solid reliability across both drivers, a clear contrast to 2025’s struggles.
Another interesting takeaway from Bahrain was the car’s unique aerodynamic philosophy, particularly its innovative rear wing design. Alpine’s active aero rear wing operates differently compared to some rivals. It could provide unique downforce characteristics, but there remains uncertainty about how much performance gain it delivers.
Despite promising signs, the team still appears slightly off the very top midfield contenders in outright pace during the first Bahrain test. Like other teams in early testing, Alpine has not yet fully revealed its race simulation pace or qualifying runs, meaning true performance under load remains unclear.
Alpine F1 2026 Drivers: Gasly vs Colapinto
Pierre Gasly started 2025 alongside Jack Doohan, who was later replaced by Franco Colapinto mid-season. Gasly was the only driver to score points for the team, with a best finish of P6. He consistently extracted maximum performance from a difficult car. The Frenchman proved to be a strong one-lap performer, often dragging the Alpine into Q2 and occasionally Q3.
Franco Colapinto joined mid-season and did not manage to score a point. He was frequently eliminated in Q1 and struggled with car instability, along with a few costly crashes while pushing hard. The Argentine showed flashes of speed, but inconsistency defined his stint.
Now, analysing their driving styles:
Gasly prefers a strong front end and sharp turn-in. He attacks the corner entry phase aggressively and is known as a late-braking specialist. He is comfortable managing oversteer on exits and excels in qualifying, often extracting grip from unstable machinery. However, he can struggle when the car’s balance moves away from his preferred front-end sharpness.
Colapinto prefers a stable rear platform and smoother steering inputs. The 22-year-old applies throttle progressively and adopts a less aggressive corner entry approach compared to his teammate. He has a calm racing mindset and significant potential if provided with a stable car. However, he struggles when the car requires aggressive rotation and currently lacks the qualifying peak pace seen at the elite level.
Gasly is the senior and more experienced driver and is expected to begin 2026 as the de facto number one. Strategy calls are likely to favour him initially, and the development baseline may align more closely with his feedback. He will also likely lead simulator and aerodynamic discussions.
Colapinto’s role may be secondary, but it remains important. He could influence balance refinement, particularly if the car becomes too aggressive. Gasly’s experience will be crucial in navigating the new regulation era. However, team dynamics can shift throughout the season depending on performance.
There are many positive signs from the first phase of Bahrain pre-season testing. More clarity will emerge during the second session, which begins on 18 February 2026.
