Herbert Flags Alpine and Cadillac for Tough 2026 F1 Season
Johnny Herbert predicts new entrant Cadillac and the struggling Alpine team will face a tough 2026 F1 season, citing the immense challenges of starting from scratch and overcoming recent turmoil.
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has pinpointed two teams he believes will face a difficult 2026 season: the all-new Cadillac entry and the beleaguered Alpine squad. With massive regulation changes on the horizon, Herbert suggests both teams are ill-prepared to immediately challenge the established frontrunners, setting the stage for a tough debut and a continued struggle, respectively.
Why it matters:
The 2026 season represents one of the biggest technical resets in modern F1 history. If a prestigious manufacturer-backed newcomer like Cadillac and a former race-winning team like Alpine are immediately off the pace, it could impact the competitive balance and the overall narrative of the new era. Their struggles highlight the immense difficulty and cost of competing at the pinnacle of motorsport.
The details:
- Cadillac's uphill battle: As a team built from the ground up, Cadillac faces a monumental learning curve against teams with decades of accumulated data and infrastructure.
- While they have secured experienced drivers in Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, Herbert believes their input won't be enough to overcome the deficit.
- The prediction is that they will be "fighting for those last few rows" as they learn the ropes of building and operating an F1 car.
- Alpine's deep-rooted issues: The Enstone-based team finished last in the 2025 constructors' championship after what Herbert described as a "chaotic" few years.
- Switching to a Mercedes customer engine for 2026 is a significant step, but Herbert cautions that "it's the whole package."
- He points to fundamental problems with aerodynamics and team operations that a powerful engine alone cannot fix, suggesting their recent poor form is a more reliable indicator of their near-term prospects.
What's next:
Both teams face a critical period. Cadillac's project is viewed as a long-term investment, with Herbert suggesting it could take four or five years to become genuinely competitive. For Alpine, the 2026 reset is a make-or-break moment to reverse years of decline and prove they can build a cohesive and competitive package around the Mercedes power unit. Their performance early in the season will be a clear indicator of their progress.