Alpine unveiled their 2026 car, the A526, at a launch event on a cruise ship in Barcelona. After finishing last in the 2025 Constructors' Championship, the team is switching to Mercedes engines and launching a new technical era. Chief Flavio Briatore declared, "We believe we are competitive," setting clear expectations.

The team strategically wrote off last season to focus on the new regulations. Alpine replaces Aston Martin as a Mercedes customer, joining McLaren and Williams. Pierre Gasly, who scored all 22 points last year, remains alongside Franco Colapinto. Briatore warned there will be "no excuses" for the drivers, demanding both raise their performance levels.

Pre-season testing begins with a behind-closed-doors shakedown in Barcelona. The A526 has already completed a wet run at Silverstone. The season opener is the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8. After a dismal 2025, Alpine's entire 2026 campaign hinges on this new power unit partnership paying immediate dividends.