Alpine Unveils A526 with Mercedes Power and New Livery

Alpine has officially unveiled its A526 challenger at a unique launch event aboard a cruise liner off the coast of Barcelona. The car features a striking metallic blue livery with vibrant pink accents, symbolizing a radical reset for the team following a dismal 2025 season where they finished last in the constructors' standings.

Why it matters:

This launch marks the beginning of a pivotal new era for Alpine as they attempt to reverse their steep competitive decline. The team has made the drastic decision to ditch Renault power units in favor of Mercedes engines, a high-stakes shift underscored by team principal Flavio Briatore's stern warning that there will be "no excuses" for poor performance this year.

The details:

• Power Unit Switch: The A526 houses a Mercedes power unit, ending Alpine's long-standing factory partnership with Renault. This strategic shift is intended to provide a more reliable performance baseline to help the team escape the back of the grid.
• Visual Identity: The livery is dominated by a deep metallic blue, heavily accented by the signature pink of title sponsor BWT. This distinct color scheme represents a fresh branding direction for the Enstone-based outfit.
• Driver Lineup: The chassis will be piloted by Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto. This pairing combines established experience with the raw speed of youth, as the team looks to maximize development feedback throughout the season.

What's next:

The pressure is immediately on Briatore and his revamped technical structure to translate these off-track changes into tangible on-track results. With the 2026 regulations now in effect, Alpine will be hoping the Mercedes power unit allows them to close the gap to the midfield frontrunners immediately.