Alpine to Unveil 2026 Livery in Barcelona Ahead of Pre-Season Testing
Alpine is set to launch its 2026 season in Barcelona on January 23rd, focusing on a livery unveil ahead of pre-season testing. After finishing last in the 2025 constructors' championship, the team has strategically shifted resources early to their 2026 project, hoping the new technical regulations will propel them back to competitiveness. The driver line-up remains Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, signaling a long-term vision.
Alpine's Formula 1 team is set to hold its 2026 season launch event in Barcelona on January 23rd, just before pre-season testing kicks off at the Catalan circuit from January 26th-30th. While the team's social media announcement was light on details, it's understood that the event will primarily feature a livery unveil, rather than a full reveal of their 2026 challenger.
Why it matters:
After a dismal 2025 season where Alpine finished last in the constructors' championship – a first in 40 years for the Enstone-based outfit – the team is banking on F1's new technical regulations in 2026 for a significant rebound. An early resource shift to the 2026 project, which partly explains their recent performance downturn, underscores their strategic gamble to return to competitiveness.
The details:
- Strategic Shift: Alpine made a conscious decision to reallocate resources to their 2026 project early, accepting a performance dip in 2025 with the aim of gaining a head start on the new regulations. This move was a 'drastic' but necessary choice, according to driver Pierre Gasly, who emphasized that current performance wasn't 'good enough' for their aspirations.
- Driver Line-up: The team's driver pairing for 2026 remains unchanged, with Pierre Gasly, who recently signed a long-term contract until 2028, and Franco Colapinto. Colapinto's confirmation came just last month, amidst some speculation regarding his form.
- Launch Schedule: Alpine's event is part of a series of early 2026 team launches.
- January 15: Red Bull Racing Bulls unveiled their livery in Detroit, Michigan.
- January 23: Alpine will reveal their livery in Barcelona.
- February 9: Aston Martin is expected to fully reveal their 2026 car.
What's next:
The success of Alpine's aggressive strategy hinges on the effectiveness of their 2026 challenger under the new regulations. With Pierre Gasly's full backing and a long-term commitment, the team is clearly prioritizing future performance over short-term gains. The Barcelona launch will offer the first glimpse of their new aesthetic direction, setting the stage for what Alpine hopes will be a more competitive era in Formula 1.