Alpine Unveils Mercedes-Powered A526 Amid F1 Regulation Shakeup

It’s a new dawn for Alpine in Formula One, and nowhere was that more apparent than on the sun-drenched deck of the MSC World Europa, docked in Barcelona’s lively port. On January 23, 2026, the BWT Alpine F1 Team pulled back the covers on their much-anticipated A526 challenger, turning heads and setting tongues wagging up and down the paddock. With the Mediterranean sparkling in the background and a crowd of partners, media, and fans watching both in person and online, Alpine’s leadership signaled a bold shift in philosophy and technology—one that could shake up the F1 hierarchy as the sport enters a new era of regulations.

This wasn’t just another car launch. The event was staged aboard a cruise ship, the MSC World Europa, underscoring Alpine’s ambition to make waves both on and off the track. Team principal Flavio Briatore, never one to shy away from grand gestures, set the tone with a rousing speech. “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for BWT Alpine Formula One Team,” Briatore declared, his voice carrying over the ship’s panoramic lounge. “It’s with great pleasure to begin our season here in Barcelona with our partner MSC Cruises on board the MSC World Europa as we prepare for what will undoubtedly be a unique season in Formula One history.”

Unique is right. The 2026 Formula One season brings a sweeping overhaul of technical regulations: movable wings now replace the traditional DRS, hybrid systems boast increased electrical power, and—for the first time in F1 history—cars will run on 100% sustainable fuel. Alpine’s A526 is purpose-built for this brave new world. The car is 200mm shorter, 100mm narrower, and 30kg lighter than its predecessor, with active front and rear wings—a nod to the past that most current drivers have never experienced. The blue and pink livery, a blend of Alpine’s heritage and title sponsor BWT’s vibrant identity, brings a fresh visual punch to the grid.

But the biggest change isn’t just skin-deep. After years of racing with Renault-built power units, Alpine has made the high-stakes decision to switch to Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains for both the engine and gearbox. It’s a move that signals Alpine’s intent to climb out of the doldrums after a bruising 2025 campaign that saw the team finish dead last in the Constructors’ Championship with just 22 points—48 points adrift of their closest rivals, Sauber (now Audi).

“We have the new technical regulations, which offer a clean sheet of paper and a great opportunity for us to be more competitive,” Briatore said, brimming with optimism. Managing Director Steve Nielsen, who joined Alpine in September, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of rapid development and learning as the team adapts to the new rules and technologies. “It is quite rare to see such changes in our sport and ones which have the potential to shake up the competitive order,” Briatore added. “Pierre and Franco have a real hunger in their eyes. Last year was not easy for anyone, and it is our duty to provide them the car which will allow them to showcase their talent in the most competitive positions.”

Speaking of drivers, Alpine is sticking with a familiar pairing: Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto. Gasly, entering his tenth F1 season and fourth with Alpine, is coming off a year where he single-handedly scored all of the team’s points and made it into Q3 ten times. Despite the struggles of 2025, Gasly is energized by the possibilities ahead. “This is the first time in my career where the entire car has had such significant changes,” he said. “Of course, everyone heads into this unknown territory, but, as a driver, I find that so exciting. I am not setting myself any expectations. It will be a case of working really hard with the team to understand areas to improve and we will take it day by day.”

Rookie sensation Franco Colapinto, meanwhile, steps into his first full-time campaign brimming with excitement. “For the first time in my career, I have had a proper off-season in preparation for a full-time year right from testing and the first race,” Colapinto shared. “We have had a good chance to see the car and prepare on the simulator. Of course, it is very different to anything I have experienced so far and I think that is the same for most drivers on the grid. There are new tricks and new challenges to learn to extract the most from the package and I see that as a truly amazing challenge.”

Backing up the main duo are reserve drivers Paul Aron and Kush Maini. Aron, in his second year as Alpine’s reserve, is eager to master the new systems on the simulator, while Maini balances his F2 campaign with reserve duties, having recently tested the outgoing A525 in Abu Dhabi. The support structure is robust, and the team is determined to leave no stone unturned as they seek a way back to competitiveness.

The launch itself followed a private shakedown of the A526 at a rain-soaked Silverstone on January 21, 2026, with Gasly at the wheel. The car’s next public outing is set for the official F1 shakedown at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26 to 30, 2026—a crucial opportunity for the team to gather data and iron out any teething problems before pre-season testing in Bahrain in February. The real action kicks off in earnest on March 8, 2026, when the season opens in Melbourne, Australia.

Executive Technical Director David Sanchez offered insight into the technical challenges the team faced. “The last year has been truly extraordinary in Formula One terms,” Sanchez explained. “With such big changes in the regulations, this project has been a very interesting challenge and one we have really given our all towards.” He highlighted the shift toward more electric power, sustainable fuels, and new operational modes like overtake, boost, and recharge—all developed in close collaboration with Mercedes’ Brixworth team. “All of us at Enstone look forward to getting started in Barcelona next week where we have much to learn and understand on the A526.”

Alpine’s focus on early development for the 2026 car was a calculated gamble. By switching off work on their 2025 machine early, the team hoped to get a jump on mastering the new regulations and integrating the Mercedes power unit. Time will tell if the strategy pays off, but the mood within the team is noticeably upbeat. “I must say I’m really excited for this season,” Gasly remarked. “It’s a big opportunity for us as a team and it’s a big opportunity for us drivers. It’s going to be very technical and there will be a lot of things to learn, probably to adapt to, but it’s exciting. At the end of the day, we all want to win. The team has done a fantastic job over the winter, preparing as best as they could.”

With a striking new car, a revitalized leadership group, and a sense of purpose forged in the fires of a difficult 2025, Alpine is ready to plunge into the unknown. The journey may be long and the competition fierce, but for the BWT Alpine F1 Team, the 2026 season represents a clean slate and a chance to chart a new course in Formula One’s rapidly evolving landscape. The next chapter starts now—and all eyes are on Barcelona as the A526 prepares to hit the track in earnest.