Alpine Confident in 'Much Better' 2026 Car, But Grid Position Remains Unclear
Alpine F1 managing director Steve Nielsen says the team's 2026 car is "a much better car" than last year's, citing clear gains from its Mercedes power unit. However, he remains unsure of the team's exact grid position, noting the steep learning curve with new regulations and energy systems that all teams are navigating.
Alpine's new 2026 Formula 1 car is a significant step forward from last year's uncompetitive machine, though the team remains uncertain about its precise position in the midfield pecking order. Managing Director Steve Nielsen confirmed the car's improvement while emphasizing the learning curve with new regulations and energy systems.
Why it matters:
After a disastrous 2025 season that saw Alpine finish last in the constructors' championship, the team's recovery hinges on this new-generation car. A genuine step forward could restore the team's status as a consistent midfield contender and validate its strategic decision to sacrifice last season for a focused 2026 development push.
The details:
- Measured Confidence: Team leadership, including Managing Director Steve Nielsen, expresses confidence in the new A5XX's fundamental improvement over its predecessor but avoids bold predictions about its competitive ranking.
- Regulation Adaptation: The team, along with its rivals, is on a steep learning curve with the 2026 car's new energy recovery and deployment systems, which require drivers to adopt completely different driving techniques.
- Power Unit Gains: One area of clear progress is the power unit supplied by Mercedes. Nielsen explicitly stated the team is "happy" with its PU supplier and has "definitely made big gains" in this department.
- Testing Focus: Initial testing in Bahrain provided valuable mileage for drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, but teams have largely focused on understanding the cars rather than revealing true pace with low-fuel runs.
What's next:
The final pre-season test in Bahrain is expected to bring the competitive picture into sharper focus.
- Teams will begin more representative running with lower fuel loads and longer race simulations, which will help Alpine and its rivals understand where they truly stand.
- For Alpine, the goal is to confirm that its philosophical reset and early regulation focus have translated into a car capable of fighting consistently in the midfield, marking a clear departure from the back of the grid.