Alpine tests 2026 car at Silverstone; Netflix announces Drive to Survive season 8
Alpine shakedown its 2026 Mercedes‑powered car at Silverstone with Pierre Gasly. Netflix set Drive to Survive season 8 for 27 February, featuring Lando Norris’s chase and Max Verstappen’s comeback.
Alpine gave fans a first look at its 2026 Mercedes‑powered car during a shakedown at Silverstone with Pierre Gasly, becoming the fourth team to trial the new‑regulation chassis on track. Netflix announced that Drive to Survive season 8 will debut on 27 February, featuring Lando Norris’s chase and Max Verstappen’s comeback.
Why it matters:
Early on‑track data gives Alpine vital insight into aerodynamics and how the Mercedes power unit behaves under the 2026 rulebook, shaping its competitiveness. Drive to Survive remains a key fan‑growth engine; its new season drops weeks before the 2026 calendar, boosting excitement.
The details:
- Alpine shakedown – Silverstone, Pierre Gasly behind a Mercedes‑powered 2026 chassis. First laps ahead of the Jan 23 reveal.
- Fourth team to trial the spec, after Audi, Cadillac and Red Bull.
- Netflix set S8 for 27 Feb, featuring Norris’s title push, Verstappen’s comeback and Horner’s Red Bull exit.
- Since 2019 the series lifts global TV audiences and social buzz, making each new season a major F1 media event.
What's next:
Alpine and Ferrari will unveil their 2026 cars on 23 January, kicking off a spring testing period ahead of the season opener. Drive to Survive returns on 27 February, likely amplifying fan interest as the new era approaches.