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Alpine’s daring comeback: can Mercedes power transform their F1 fortunes in 2026?

Redação by Redação
January 23, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Alpine’s daring comeback: can Mercedes power transform their F1 fortunes in 2026?

Alpine on the Brink: Can This Legendary Team Rise from the Ashes in 2026?

After a dismal performance that saw them languishing at the bottom of the 2025 constructors’ championship, Alpine is gearing up for a make-or-break season in Formula 1. As the French racing team prepares for its season launch in Barcelona on Friday, the burning question remains: can they resurrect their fortunes with a largely unchanged team and a new engine partner?

The seismic shift for 2026 comes with Alpine’s transition to customer Mercedes power units. For the first time in its storied history, this Renault-owned F1 team will not be relying on its own engines. This isn’t unfamiliar territory for the Enstone-based squad, which has previously raced with Mercedes power back in 2015 under the Lotus moniker. However, the decision to ditch Renault engines, which have been at the heart of the team’s DNA since 1995, has sent shockwaves through the organization. This controversial move, initiated by former Renault CEO Luca de Meo, has not been well-received, especially within the Viry-Chatillon engine division.

The challenges don’t stop there. Alpine has lost key partnerships, notably with tech giant Microsoft, which has now aligned itself with Mercedes. Additionally, the team has seen reserve driver Jack Doohan depart, setting his sights on a career in Super Formula. With Paul Aron and Kush Maini stepping in as test and reserve drivers, the pressure mounts on Aron, who is the only one eligible for a superlicence.

Alpine’s legacy of racing excellence has been tarnished, and the team’s track record speaks volumes. The last time they tasted victory was in the 2013 Australian Grand Prix, with Kimi Raikkonen behind the wheel. Since then, their sporadic successes have often been overshadowed by a lack of consistent performance, frequently attributed to their engine woes. With the disastrous last-place finish in the 2025 championship, Alpine’s need for redemption has never been more urgent.

As they embark on the 2026 season, the silver lining could be their new Mercedes power unit. Renowned for its engineering prowess, Mercedes is expected to hold a competitive edge over its rivals, thanks to a savvy interpretation of the newly established rules surrounding the internal combustion engine’s compression ratio. If this translates into tangible performance, Alpine may finally possess the tools necessary to climb the ranks.

However, the team’s strategy has raised eyebrows. Alpine halted development on the A525 far earlier than anticipated—around May of last year—choosing instead to pivot towards compliance with the new regulations. This decision backfired spectacularly, leaving them with a meager 22 points, while their nearest competitor, Sauber, amassed a substantial 70.

Lead driver Pierre Gasly has shown resilience amidst the turmoil, consistently performing at a commendable level. Yet, the clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting for meaningful progress; Gasly’s patience is wearing thin.

As the 2026 season looms, Alpine finds itself at a crossroads. With the weight of expectations heavy on their shoulders, this legendary team must harness the potential of their new engine and prove that they are capable of building a race-winning chassis on merit. The eyes of the Formula 1 world will be upon them—will they rise from the ashes, or will they continue to spiral into mediocrity? Buckle up; this season promises to be nothing short of thrilling.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-26-fis-alpine-ski-world-cup2025-constructors-championship-3kimi-raikkonensPierre Gasly
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