Melbourne is just days away. For F1, it represents the start of the most significant technical reset for a generation. For Alpine, 2026 represents a total identity shift.
After decades as a proud French works team, the Enstone-based outfit has undergone a huge transformation, abandoning its Renault engine programme to become a Mercedes customer.
As a result, expectations are now higher for the Anglo-French team as they integrate German power into a completely redesigned chassis in line with the new 2026 regs.
Here is ReadMotorsport’s preview for Alpine’s 2026 campaign.
Alpine’s Mercedes link-up: A pragmatic gamble
This season marks the end of their Renault power unit era, a move initially regarded as radical at their Viry-Chatillon base. But, by opting for the Mercedes power unit, Alpine have swapped a traditional (some would say unreliable) French engine for a proven, consistent performance package.
Early data from the two Bahrain tests suggest that the integration of the Mercedes power unit into their A526 chassis has gone more smoothly than many had anticipated.
While the car appeared somewhat ‘draggy’ in the first test, the second week saw a significant step forward, especially concerning top-end speed.
Team principal Oliver Oakes commented that the reliability of the new Mercedes battery pack has allowed them to focus entirely on their new (some call it ambitious) active aero package, rather than troubleshoot the cooling issues that plagued their previous power units.
Alpine 2026: Technical snapshot
| Feature | Detail | Impact |
| Power Unit | Mercedes-AMG M17 | Instant jump in ERS efficiency and peak deployment. |
| Chassis | A526 | Ultra-short wheelbase designed for the new nimble car regs. |
| Active Aero | ‘Agile-wing’ system | Focused on minimising drag on the straights to assist the MGU-K. |
| Reliability | Solid | Completed 315 laps in Bahrain; the Mercedes PU appeared unstoppable. |
Driver dynamic: Experience plus ambition
Alpine’s 2026 lineup—the first under of new Flavio Briatore era—is a blend of experience and youth.
Pierre Gasly remains the team’s leader, entering the new regulations era with the confidence of a driver who finally has an elite-level power unit behind him.
Alongside him, Franco Colapinto steps into his first full-season after a whirlwind 2025. Having been drafted in mid-season to replace Jack Doohan, the Argentine has emerged successfully from Briatore’s brutal internal restructure. It all makes for a fascinating dynamic.
Gasly has talked openly about the “massive step up” in the driveability of the new engine, while Colapinto has been full of praise for his engineers for the simulator-to-track correlation of the car.
However, the time delta between the two drivers in qualifying simulations in Bahrain testing was around 0.3s. If Alpine is to climb out of the midfield, Colapinto must quickly bridge that gap to make sure the team is in position to capitalise on any potential chaos caused by the new technical regs.
The bookies’ view: A return to the podium?
The bookmakers are showing some modest optimism for Alpine. While they’re far from being regarded as top-four contenders, the switch to Mercedes power has seen their odds shorten significantly compared to their dismal showings in 2024 and 2025.
2026 F1 championship betting odds
| Category | Selection | Odds (Avg) |
| Drivers’ Champion | Pierre Gasly | 66/1 |
| Constructors’ Champion | Alpine-Mercedes | 25/1 |
| Drivers’ Champion | Franco Colapinto | 150/1 |
| Winning Car (Melbourne) | Alpine-Mercedes | 18/1 |
ReadMotorsport tip: Gasly at 12/1 for podium finish in Melbourne is one that caught our eye beyond those listed above. He may benefit from the chaos of it being Race 1 in a new era and deliver a surprise.
The Mercedes PU is rumoured to have the best ‘manual override’ energy management on the grid, and Gasly is an expert at defending his positions in the heat of F1 battle.
Alpine verdict:
Alpine enters 2026 as the ultimate dark horse. By removing the unreliability of a limited homegrown engine, the spotlight is now firmly on Enstone’s ability to build a world-class chassis to match their new power unit.
The A526 looks balanced and, crucially, is one of the few cars rumoured to be within the minimum weight limit. If they can avoid the mid-season development plateau that has haunted them in the past, the Mercedes-Alpine partnership could be a productive one.
ReadMotorsport prediction: A resurgent year for the Enstone team and Gasly to secure at least two podiums, Colapinto to become a regular points-scorer, and a solid fifth place in the constructors’ championship.
