Flavio Briatore believes Alpine will be competitive in 2026 Formula 1 season

Alpine, owned by Renault, unveiled its 2026 Formula 1 car, the A526, on Friday, signaling a determined effort to rebound from a challenging 2025 season where the team finished last. The launch took place on the MSC World Europa cruise liner docked in Barcelona, with French driver Pierre Gasly and Argentine teammate Franco Colapinto presenting the pink and blue livery.

A New Era for Alpine

The unveiling coincides with a significant shift in Formula 1, marked by new engine regulations and the most substantial rule changes in decades. Teams are entering a period of uncertainty as the competitive landscape is reshaped, with private testing scheduled to begin next week in Barcelona. Alpine has been strategically focused on the 2026 car for an extended period, recognizing the need for substantial performance gains.

Did You Know? Alpine will switch to Mercedes engines for the 2026 season, moving away from Renault power units.

Flavio Briatore, executive advisor and a figure instrumental in previous championship wins with Benetton and Renault in the 1990s and 2000s, emphasized the team’s core objective: “You know, the game is always the same, we need to go quick.” He expressed confidence in the team’s competitiveness this year.

Technical Challenges and Driver Expectations

Pierre Gasly, who secured all of the team’s points last season, described the upcoming season as “very technical,” anticipating a steep learning curve with the new regulations. He highlighted the team’s thorough preparation and a successful initial shakedown at Silverstone. Franco Colapinto acknowledged that the team’s prior struggles stemmed from an early concentration on the 2026 development cycle.

Expert Insight: The shift to new engine regulations and sweeping rule changes introduces a high degree of uncertainty into Formula 1. Teams that effectively navigate these complexities and rapidly adapt to the new technical landscape are likely to gain a significant competitive advantage.

Briatore underscored the expectation for both drivers to perform, stating there would be “no excuses” and expressing his belief in Colapinto’s potential to compete with Gasly. He stressed the importance of internal competition within the team, aiming for consistent performance from both drivers.

What’s Next?

Following the launch, Alpine will participate in private testing in Barcelona next week. The results of these tests could provide early indications of the car’s performance and potential. It is possible that the initial pecking order will begin to emerge during these sessions, though the full competitive picture may not be clear until the first races of the season. The team may also refine the A526’s setup based on data collected during testing. A successful start to the season could be crucial for building momentum and establishing Alpine as a competitive force.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Alpine switching to Mercedes engines?

Alpine will use Mercedes engines instead of Renault ones, marking a significant change in their power unit strategy for the 2026 season.

Who are Alpine’s drivers for the 2026 season?

Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto will continue as Alpine’s drivers for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

What did Flavio Briatore say about the team’s expectations?

Flavio Briatore stated, “I believe this year sure we are competitive,” and emphasized the need for both drivers to compete consistently.

How will Alpine’s early focus on the 2026 car impact their performance this season?