Get ready for a Formula 1 shake-up! Alpine is making a bold claim: they’ll be a force to reckon with in 2026. But here's where it gets controversial—after finishing dead last in 2025, can they really turn things around so dramatically? Team boss Flavio Briatore certainly thinks so. At the official launch of their new season, Briatore confidently declared, 'Alpine will reclaim its performance edge this year.'
But let’s rewind a bit. Alpine recently put their car through its paces at Silverstone, though they kept the 2026 model under wraps, revealing only its livery on a show car. Briatore didn’t hold back, stating, 'If the car underperforms, it’s on us. We had the budget and no issues during development.' Is this confidence justified, or is it just wishful thinking?
Here’s the part most people miss: Alpine’s last-place finish in 2025 wasn’t an accident. They deliberately chose not to develop their car, instead funneling all resources into designing a vehicle tailored to the new F1 rules introduced this season. And this is where it gets even more intriguing—the French team has switched to Mercedes customer engines after Renault, their parent company, pulled the plug on its F1 engine program. Was this a smart strategic move, or are they trading one set of challenges for another?
Race driver Pierre Gasly sees this as a 'big opportunity' for the team, acknowledging there’s a steep learning curve ahead. 'We had a very successful shakedown, which was a great start,' he said. 'Despite extreme conditions, we completed a lot of laps and got a first feel for the car—a crucial milestone for the season.' Gasly also reflected on the tough 2025 season, noting, 'It was hard, but it forced us to dig deep and put us in a stronger position.'
Gasly is joined by Argentine driver Franco Colapinto, who’s stepping into his first full season after partial stints with Williams in 2024 and Alpine in 2025. Managing Director Steve Nielsen emphasized the team’s determination to prove that last year’s performance was just 'a blip.'
But here’s the burning question: Can Alpine truly rise from the ashes and compete at the top in 2026? With new rules, a new engine partnership, and a fresh driver lineup, the stage is set for a dramatic comeback—or another disappointing season. What do you think? Is Alpine’s optimism warranted, or are they setting themselves up for another fall? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
