The Enstone-based team Alpine kicked off its season with a launch event on a cruise ship off the Catalan coast near Barcelona. The event highlighted the team’s partnership with MSC Cruises. A bold, even cheeky, way to launch. But what was revealed left fans and media somewhat speechless.
As the two drivers Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly unveiled the new car step by step, something familiar emerged. A livery that was barely distinguishable from last year’s. The new design doesn’t differ dramatically from its predecessor, keeping Alpine’s blue paired with title sponsor BWT’s pink.
A New Technical Era
GettyDuring the tests on January 21, Alpine used their old livery.
Alpine has put its faith in F1’s new technical era, marked by revised chassis and engine regulations. The team curtailed substantial development of its 2025 challenger by May last year to dedicate resources to the A526.
However, the emphasis appears to be on the technical side rather than the visual design. Simultaneously, it’s almost inevitable that every Formula 1 team has been called out at least once for failing to deliver noticeable visual upgrades.
Alpine’s emphasis on the A526 resulted in a frustrating 10th-place finish in the 2025 constructors’ championship. Lead driver Pierre Gasly, having pledged his future to the team, has been yearning for a more competitive machine. This season he will team up again with Franco Colapinto. The young Argentine is expected to embark on his first full F1 season.
“With such big changes in the regulations, this project has been a very interesting challenge and one we have really given our all towards,” said executive technical director David Sanchez. Flavio Briatore added, “I promise everybody that this season will be fantastic.” He insists that Alpine have no excuses not to perform.
The new regulations have resulted in a car that is shorter and narrower than in recent years. This is giving teams more aerodynamic freedom to explore. One of the most notable changes is the return of active aero. This means cars can now use movable front and rear wings. A feature that most current drivers have not experienced before.
This shift, combined with a reduction in downforce and drag, is expected to improve racing. It should allow closer battles and more overtaking, which will be exciting for fans to watch.
More Electric Power
In addition, the power unit regulations now allow for increased electric power. Alpine’s partnership with Mercedes-AMG for 2026 plays a key role here, as the team has been working closely with Mercedes’ Brixworth team in recent months to optimize the new hybrid package.
The collaboration aims to maximize performance under the updated rules and ensure the car makes the most of the additional electric power available.
“All of us at Enstone look forward to getting started in Barcelona next week, where we have much to learn and understand on the A526,” Sanchez added.
Fans’ opinions on the new-old livery are divided. One fan summed up her opinion on X (formiert known as Twitter) as follows:
6/10. Pink 🙏.
The pink has remained (everyone liked that!) The chrome blue is lovely, and I think it will fit in nicely with some on the other liveries on the grid this season 👀.
My only complaint is that there are some colourless patches which makes me fearful of
Another fan wrote: “Alpine hasn’t had a good livery since the 2021 season and that’s not even debatable. Ditch the pink already.”
In the end, Alpine’s new season may be defined less by its look and more by whether the technical overhaul can finally translate into the performance the team and its fans have been waiting for.
Déjà Vu in Pink and Blue: Alpine Presents Its 2026 F1 Car