Photo: Race Pictures

Alpine confirms it will go the Red Bull way as key F1 2026 announcement made

20:30, 02 Dec

Updated: 21:07, 02 Dec

0 Comments

byNorberto Mujica

Alpine F1 has become the fourth team to announce a launch date ahead of the 2026 Formula One season.

Photo: Race Pictures

The Enstone-based outfit has confirmed it will unveil - either its livery or - its 2026 Formula One challenger on 23 January in an event that will take place in Barcelona, Catalonia, before the behind-closed-doors test scheduled from 26 to 30 January take place, following Red Bull and Racing Bulls' suit who are also set to unveil their livery prior to the test on 15 January in Detroit, Michigan, home of engine partner Ford.

The French team has undergone a tempestuous F1 season that will see them finish last in the Constructors' Standings.

However, this is to do with Alpine choosing to fix their focus very early onto the 2026 car, as the team looks to achieve the lofty goals its Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore has laid out of fighting for podiums as early as next year.

With that ambitious target in mind, the team had long since decided to drop its in-house engines - along with its works team status - to become a customer, effectively fitting Mercedes power units to the backs of their cars starting with the A526 next year.

During the Italian and Brazilian Grands Prix, the French team announced newly signed agreements to extend Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto's tenures with the team, confirming its 2026 line up will be comprised by its current drivers.

Alpine announces key 2026 date

Gasly doesn't care if F1 2026 cars are enjoyable

Gasly says he doesn’t care whether he likes the 2026 F1 cars, only about being at the front. He expects the new cars may be less enjoyable than current ones but accepts it if performance is equalised since he wants to fight at the front rather than for P17. Read his full comments here.

GPblog's latest F1 Paddock Update

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.