BWT Alpine F1 Team Launches A526 in Barcelona

In the shimmering Mediterranean sunlight, aboard the luxurious MSC World Europa docked at Barcelona’s bustling port, BWT Alpine F1 Team charted a bold new course into the uncharted waters of the 2026 season.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

As the ship prepared to continue its voyage from Civitavecchia near Rome, the team transformed the vessel’s panoramic lounge into a high-octane stage for their official launch, unveiling the A526 challenger amid a crowd of eager partners, media, and fans. This wasn’t just a reveal—it was a declaration of renewal, blending the team’s iconic Alpine blue with the vibrant pink of title sponsor BWT, symbolizing a fresh start under sweeping new Formula One regulations that promise to reshape the sport.

BWT Alpine F1 Team unveils A526 challenger. Image supplied by BWT Alpine F1 Team

Flavio Briatore, the team’s charismatic leader, set the tone with palpable enthusiasm. “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for BWT Alpine Formula One Team,” he declared, his voice echoing against the floor-to-ceiling windows framing the dramatic Spanish coastline. “It’s with great pleasure to begin our season here in Barcelona with our partner MSC Cruises on board the MSC World Europa as we prepare for what will undoubtedly be a unique season in Formula One history.”

Briatore highlighted the relentless efforts at the Enstone factory, where engineers had poured their expertise into designing the A526 alongside new power unit partners Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains. He extended gratitude to allies like BWT, MSC Cruises, and Eni, acknowledging their steadfast support after a challenging 2025 campaign.

“We have the new technical regulations, which offer a clean sheet of paper and a great opportunity for us to be more competitive,” he added, his words infused with optimism.

At the heart of the event, drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto pulled back the covers on the A526, a sleeker, lighter machine engineered to thrive under the revamped rules. The car is 200mm shorter, 100mm narrower, and 30kg lighter than its predecessors, with aerodynamic innovations including active front and rear wings—a throwback technology most current drivers have never raced with.

BWT Alpine F1 drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto. Image supplied by BWT Alpine F1

Executive Technical Director David Sanchez delved into the project’s intricacies, describing it as an “extraordinary” challenge. “The last year has been truly extraordinary in Formula One terms,” Sanchez explained. “With such big changes in the regulations, this project has been a very interesting challenge and one we have really given our all towards.” He emphasized the shift toward more electric power, sustainable fuels, and new modes like overtake, boost, and recharge, all in collaboration with Mercedes’ Brixworth team.

“All of us at Enstone look forward to getting started in Barcelona next week where we have much to learn and understand on the A526.”

For Gasly, entering his tenth F1 season and fourth with Alpine, the changes ignite a thrill of the unknown. The Frenchman, who single-handedly scored all of the team’s points in 2025 and hit Q3 ten times, spoke of the intensive simulator work and the pride in hitting milestones.

“This is the first time in my career where the entire car has had such significant changes,” Gasly said. “Of course, everyone heads into this unknown territory, but, as a driver, I find that so exciting. I am not setting myself any expectations. It will be a case of working really hard with the team to understand areas to improve and we will take it day by day.”

Rookie sensation Franco Colapinto, stepping into his first full-time campaign, mirrored that excitement. “Firstly, I am so excited,” the young Argentine beamed. “For the first time in my career, I have had a proper off-season in preparation for a full-time year right from testing and the first race. We have had a good chance to see the car and prepare on the simulator. Of course, it is very different to anything I have experienced so far.”

Backing them up are reserve drivers Paul Aron and Kush Maini, both eager to contribute. Aron, in his second year, anticipates mastering the new systems in the simulator, while Maini balances F2 duties with reserve responsibilities after his recent A525 test in Abu Dhabi.

As the MSC World Europa’s engines hummed in the background, the event encapsulated a team reborn, ready to navigate the uncertainties ahead. Following a private shakedown at Silverstone, the A526 heads to Barcelona’s official Formula One shakedown on January 26, then Bahrain for pre-season testing in February, before the season opener in Melbourne on March 8. Managing Director Steve Nielsen and Briatore outlined a step-by-step strategy, emphasizing rapid development and learning.

“It is quite rare to see such changes in our sport and ones which have the potential to shake up the competitive order,” Briatore concluded. “Pierre and Franco have a real hunger in their eyes. Last year was not easy for anyone, and it is our duty to provide them the car which will allow them to showcase their talent in the most competitive positions.” With partners on board and the horizon wide open, Alpine’s 2026 voyage is just beginning—one that could redefine their place in the F1 fleet.