Alpine Completes A526 Shakedown with Mercedes Engine at Silverstone

Alpine hit the track at Silverstone for the A526 shakedown, marking a pivotal shift as the team ran a Mercedes power unit for the first time. Pierre Gasly piloted the car on a rainy day near the team's Enstone base, sporting a livery very similar to last season's, just days before pre-season testing begins in Barcelona. This debut comes after a dismal 2025 season where the team prioritized these new regulations over current performance to ensure a fresh start.

Why it matters:

This shakedown signifies the end of an era for Alpine as they transition from a works Renault team to a Mercedes customer. After finishing last in the 2025 Constructors' Championship due to an early switch in development focus, the team needs the 2026 regulations reset to work. The move to Mercedes power is a strategic bet to regain the consistency and competitiveness they lost, aiming to return to fighting for points in the midfield rather than languishing at the back.

The details:

• Power Unit Switch: The session marked the debut of the Mercedes power unit in the back of an Alpine chassis, following Renault's decision to abandon its long-running engine program.
• Fourth Team: Alpine became the fourth outfit to run their 2026 challenger, following initial shakedowns by Audi, Cadillac, and Racing Bulls.
• 2025 Context: The team halted development of the A525 early last June to focus entirely on the 2026 ruleset, a move that resulted in a last-place finish but was deemed necessary for future success.
• Management Goals: Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen emphasized the need for consistency, stating the team aims to fight at the "top end of the midfield" every weekend rather than struggling at the rear.

What's next:

Alpine will officially launch its 2026 campaign this Friday, January 23, with a special event aboard a cruise ship off the coast of Barcelona. Following the launch, the team will join the rest of the grid for the first pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26-30, where the true pace of the Mercedes-powered A526 will be revealed.