After a tumultuous 2025 season and ambitions left unfulfilled, Alpine unveils the livery of its A526, a strong symbol of renewal. Presented aboard the MSC World Europa, this single-seater embodies the hopes of a team aspiring to regain its former glory. But with increasingly fierce competition, will this change of direction be enough to shine on the starting grid?
A Livery That Sets the Tone
Alpine does not hold back and opts for continuity with a livery very close to that of the previous season. The bright pink of its main sponsor, BWT, skillfully blends with the iconic blue of the brand. A combination that, let’s admit, somewhat resembles cotton candy, but also does the job of attracting attention on the starting grid.
The presentation took place in the enchanting setting of Barcelona, aboard the majestic MSC World Europa, a bold choice for a team looking to renew its image. This first visual contact with the A526 marks the beginning of a new chapter, as Flavio Briatore, the team’s advisor, aptly pointed out: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for BWT Alpine Formula One Team.”
Livery of the Alpine A526.
A Promising Shakedown at Silverstone
Even before its official presentation, the A526 has already hit the tarmac of the Silverstone circuit for a first shakedown. A crucial moment for any team, allowing them to verify that everything is in order before the real hostilities. Like its competitors Audi, Cadillac, Racing Bulls, and Mercedes, Alpine took this opportunity to fine-tune the final details. A first lap that hints at promises, but not yet certainties.
A Pivotal Season for Alpine
The 2026 season promises to be a true turning point for the Franco-British team. After a series of disappointing seasons, where it even finished last in the constructors’ championship, Alpine hopes to finally find its way back to competitiveness. The upcoming regulatory changes could shuffle the deck and offer mid-field teams an unexpected chance to shine. And to achieve this, Alpine has decided on a radical internal change.
Goodbye to the in-house Renault engine, hello to the Mercedes power unit. This choice, although risky, could be the key to regaining performance in line with the ambitions displayed since 2021. Rumors of a loophole in the regulations exploited by Mercedes could offer Alpine a golden opportunity to bounce back.
Stability on the Driver Side
On the driver side, the team has chosen stability, extending Pierre Gasly’s contract and confirming Franco Colapinto for 2026. Gasly, a true beacon in a chaotic 2025 season, managed to carry the team on his shoulders, scoring all the points in the championship despite the difficulties faced on the track.
At the livery launch, Gasly expressed his expectations: “This is the first time in my career that the entire car is undergoing such profound changes.” A statement that speaks volumes about the challenges ahead, but also about the enthusiasm that drives the French driver.
Realistic Ambitions
The road traveled so far has not been easy. Pierre Gasly does not hide that hard work will be needed to identify areas for improvement. “I am not setting a specific goal. We will take it day by day,” he stated, aware of the challenges awaiting his team. Collective effort will be crucial to transform this new A526 into a real threat on the grid.
The first tests of the 2026 season will begin this Monday, marking the start of a new era for Formula 1. Teams will benefit from three days of testing out of a total of five planned, and every minute on the track will count to refine the settings.
The Road to Redemption
In summary, Alpine finds itself at a crossroads. With radical changes and a clear desire to return to the forefront, the team must now prove that these efforts will bear fruit. Fans, eager for success, are eagerly awaiting the A526 to take flight during the first Grands Prix. The promise of a unique season in the history of Formula 1 could well become a reality, but the team must first turn its ambitions into tangible performances.
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