Photo: Race Pictures

Briatore cast verdict on Alpine 2026 prospects with daring prediction

18:05, 23 Jan

bySamson Ero

Flavio Briatore has voiced strong confidence in Alpine’s prospects following the unveiling of the team’s 2026 challenger.

"I believe Alpine will really come back…”

- Flavio Briatore

Speaking during the launch of the Alpine A526 car, the 75-year-old motorsport executive, who serves as de facto team principal, detailed his optimism about the squad’s direction heading into the new campaign.

Briatore further added that the blame should fall squarely on team leadership if the car fails to deliver on performance.

Alpine's 2026 challenger, the A526 - Photo: BWT Alpine F1 Team

"I believe Alpine will really come back in performance this year,” he began.

"If the car is bad, it is our fault. We did not have any problems building this car. We had the budget,” he concluded.

The Alpine outfit endured a challenging 2025 season, finishing bottom of the Constructors’ standings after opting against further developments on its car and shifting its resources to its 2026 machinery.

Gasly tempers expectations for 2026

While Briatore appears bullish, driver Pierre Gasly has opted for a cautiously optimistic approach regarding his expectations for the upcoming campaign.

The French driver, in his assessment, opted against setting firm expectations for the campaign, stressing that the changes the team has experienced in the lead-up to the 2026 season remain the biggest he has had to undergo in his Formula 1 career.

Ahead of the new season, the Alpine outfit opted against continuing as a works team and switched to a customer team, with Mercedes supplying its engine for 2026.

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