Briatore confident Alpine will 'really come back' with 2026 A526

Flavio Briatore has issued a bold prediction for Alpine’s 2026 campaign, declaring that the team is set to "really come back" following the unveiling of the A526. The executive emphasized that the team has had sufficient resources and budget, placing the responsibility for any potential failure squarely on the leadership's shoulders.

Why it matters:

After a dismal 2025 season where Alpine finished last in the Constructors' Championship, the team has effectively bet its future on the new regulations. Switching from a works Renault setup to a Mercedes customer engine partnership represents a massive strategic shift, making Briatore's public confidence a critical signal regarding the team's internal morale and direction.

The details:

• Accountability: Briatore was blunt about the team's position, stating, "If the car is bad, it is our fault." He noted there were no budgetary constraints or build issues hindering the A526 project, shifting the focus entirely to management and engineering decisions.
• 2025 Sacrifice: The team’s poor performance last year was a calculated risk, as Alpine opted to halt development on its 2025 car early to channel all resources into the new challenger.
• Power Unit Switch: The A526 marks a new era with Mercedes power units, moving away from their previous works engine arrangement in a bid to gain a competitive edge.

Between the lines:

While management is optimistic, the drivers are adopting a more cautious stance. Pierre Gasly highlighted that the scale of technical and organizational changes he has faced at Alpine is the biggest of his F1 career. The transition to a customer engine setup and internal restructuring creates significant uncertainty, suggesting that while the budget was there, integrating these new elements seamlessly remains the true challenge for the upcoming season.