Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly were optimistic about Alpine's new single-seater.

Alpine is going through a rebuilding process after a forgettable 2025 in which it finished at the bottom of the Formula 1 Constructors' Championship standings. However, optimism prevails within the team. Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly agree that the technical project for 2026 could mark a turning point for the team, driven by the regulatory change and the decision to run Mercedes engines.

In statements released by Planet F1, the Argentine driver expressed confidence in the car that is coming. "Next year's car is going to be better than this year's," he stated. Nevertheless, he clarified that the simulations still need to be validated on track: "Until you see it on track, it's hard to say. But I'm sure it will be better than this year's!"

Meanwhile, Gasly explained how the long-term bet allowed him to get through a season with few results. "I knew what we were doing for 2026 and I always had that light at the end of the tunnel," said the Frenchman, who scored the team's only 22 points during last season. He added: "I was always able to see that light, which helped me get through the year."

The team's own sporting performance reflected the long-term approach. Alpine prioritized resources and development with the new regulations in mind, even knowing that this would affect its immediate competitiveness. "If it gives me better results next year, I literally don't care about this season and it will have been totally worth it," said the Frenchman, who is convinced that the early work can provide "an initial advantage over other teams."

The next big step for Alpine will be on Friday, January 23, when it officially unveils the brand-new A526. The new car, equipped with the new Mercedes engines, will have its first tests in the private testing sessions in Barcelona, between January 26 and 30, and will continue its preparation in Bahrain, with testing scheduled from 11 to 13 and from 18 to 20 in February.

Meanwhile, the official debut of the cars will not come until March, the month in which Formula 1 will formally start the 2026 season with the Australian Grand Prix. The first race will take place from 6 to 8 at Albert Park in Melbourne.