Alpine Unveils 2026 Livery Marking Mercedes Era

Alpine has officially pulled the covers off its 2026 livery, signaling a pivotal shift for the Enstone outfit. The team is banking on this new design and a crucial engine switch to climb back into the competitive midfield mix after a difficult period with their previous powertrain.

Why it matters:

This launch represents more than just a fresh coat of paint; it marks a fundamental reset for the team's technical direction. By abandoning the underpowered works Renault engine in favor of a Mercedes customer supply, Alpine is aggressively addressing the performance deficit that has hampered their recent campaigns. This move is critical for the team's ambition to stop the slide and re-establish themselves as regular points scorers.

The details:

• Power Unit Transition: The defining feature of the 2026 package is the switch to Mercedes power. Over the winter, the team has integrated the customer engine into the chassis, aiming to capitalize on the straight-line speed and reliability that the Mercedes power unit has offered other teams on the grid.
• Silverstone Shakedown: The car has already turned a wheel. Pierre Gasly took the new Alpine-Mercedes for its first outing earlier in the week at Silverstone. This early shakedown allowed the team to check systems and ensure the integration between the new engine and chassis was functioning correctly before the official launch.
• Visual Identity: The released images showcase the BWT Alpine branding, confirming the continuation of the title partnership. The livery retains the team's distinct color palette while presenting a sleeker look for the new regulations era.

What's next:

With the car launched and initial systems checks complete, the focus shifts to pre-season testing and performance validation. The team will be analyzing data closely to see if the Mercedes power unit delivers the expected gains, hoping to translate this new technical partnership into tangible results on race day.