Barcelona, Spain. The BWT Alpine Formula One Team took its first official step toward the 2026 Formula 1 season with an unprecedented launch event aboard the MSC World Europa, the state-of-the-art cruise ship operated by MSC Cruises, which departed from Civitavecchia en route to Barcelona, host city of the official start of pre-season testing.

The floating venue was no coincidence. It symbolized the beginning of a new chapter for the French team in a year marked by the most significant technical transformation in decades, with new chassis and power unit regulations set to reshape the competitive order.

“Today marks the start of a new chapter for the BWT Alpine Formula One Team,” said Flavio Briatore, highlighting the strategic importance of launching the season alongside key partners such as MSC Cruises, BWT and Eni. He also underlined that the new regulations represent “a blank sheet and a great opportunity to be more competitive than in previous campaigns.”

A completely new car

The A526 represents a clean break from the past. It is a car designed entirely from scratch, featuring significant reductions in size and weight: 200 mm shorter, 100 mm narrower, and 30 kilograms lighter overall. The major technical highlight is the partnership with Mercedes-AMG, which will supply the power unit and gearbox from this season onward, in an era defined by increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels.

“The past year has been extraordinary in terms of change in Formula 1,” explained Executive Technical Director David Sánchez, who pointed to the return of active aerodynamics, including movable front and rear wings, as well as the introduction of new concepts such as overtake mode, boost mode and recharge. According to the team, reduced downforce and drag should lead to more dynamic and entertaining racing for fans.

Gasly leads into uncharted territory

French driver Pierre Gasly, entering his tenth Formula 1 season and fourth with Alpine, will play a key role in this transitional phase. After scoring 100% of the team’s points in 2025, Gasly welcomed the challenge of driving a completely new car.

“It’s the first time in my career that the entire car has undergone such significant changes,” he said, while noting that the early tests will not reflect the final potential of the package. Without setting unrealistic expectations, Gasly expressed pride in seeing the team meet every development milestone ahead of the A526’s debut.

Colapinto: optimism and growth in his first full season

Argentine driver Franco Colapinto heads into 2026 as his first full season in Formula 1, a context he sees as ideal for continued growth and development. His enthusiasm for being part of the project from the outset was evident at the launch, particularly as he highlighted the importance of having, for the first time, a full pre-season and extensive simulator work.

A strengthened structure and a progressive path

The line-up is completed by Paul Aron as reserve driver and the continued presence of Kush Maini within Alpine’s talent program, combining his full-time campaign in FIA Formula 2 with development duties for the team.

Following a successful shakedown at Silverstone, the team is now in Barcelona for the start of pre-season testing, before heading to Bahrain for two three-day test sessions in February. The season opener is scheduled for March 8 in Melbourne, at the Australian Grand Prix.

“We are taking it step by step,” Briatore concluded. “We don’t know where we will stand in the first race, let alone the last. Development will be crucial, and our duty is to give Pierre and Franco a car that allows them to showcase their talent at the most competitive level.”