Can Alpine challenge the top teams in 2026?

By Isabel Clark

Alpine boosted by “much better” 2026 car says the teams Managing Director.

Following the conclusion of official pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, Steve Nielsen, Managing Director of BWT Alpine Formula One team appears hopeful that their challenger for this year – the A526 – is already stronger compared to last years. 

Early indications from testing now suggest the Enstone-based team has made significant advancements from its 2025 car which resulted in one of the most difficult seasons for the team in recent years. The struggles prompted the team to redirect its focus toward Formula 1’s sweeping 2026 regulation overhaul earlier than many of its rivals. 

The overhaul in regulations for 2026 extends beyond those mandated across the grid. For the first time since the team’s inaugural entry in 1977 – when it competed under the Renault name – the French owned brand will not run with any form of Renault power or components. Instead, they have entered a new powertrain partnership with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, an agreement set to take them through to 2030. 

The collaboration however is not completely new for the team. In 2015, they raced with Mercedes power and secured a sixth place finish in the standings. Compared to the previous arrangement, the team will also outsource gearboxes and rear suspension components from Mercedes, in addition to the power unit. 

Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has previously implied that securing Mercedes power was a condition of his return, highlighting the strategic and economic importance. The new partnership is expected to improve driveability, handling and overall power delivery systems – foundations the team hope will re-establish it as a competitive force in the midfield.  

After logging more than 1,000 laps across pre-season testing, Pierre Gasly delivered Alpine F1 Team’s strongest performance of the programme in the final session in Bahrain. The Frenchman posted a 1:33.421 to finish fifth fastest overall, ending a productive session for the team.

Alpine have shown encouraging signs of solid midfield pace throughout all 9 sessions of pre-season testing, suggesting the team could be firmly in the fight when the season begins. With attention now turning to Australia, preparations will intensify as they ready for the opening round just two weeks away.