Alpine has shared the first image of its 2026 car, when F1 will usher in brand new regulations for both chassis and power units.
The next era will be the advent of active aerodynamics in F1 and Alpine's image, shared on social media, focuses on the first iteration of its front wing endplate, a section of the car that has been subject to heavy revisions under the coming set of rules.
Whilst it is just a first foray into what can be expected of that specific part once cars are unveiled and the 2026 season gets underway, it highlights how eager F1 teams are to break ground on the new regulations.
Restrictions on developing the 2026 challengers were lifted on 1st January this year and teams have evidently not missed a beat in turning attention to next term, despite pre-season testing for the coming campaign being under two months away.
Alpine, in particular, will be able to predominantly focus its attention on the chassis side of the new rules, after opting to forgo its works power unit status.
The French squad decided becoming an engine customer in F1 would be the best way forward, signing up to be supplied by Mercedes from 2026 onwards, despite teams having been able to work on their new engines for the past couple of years.
Supported by Mercedes power, Team Enstone will want to push on and continue its recovery, after a dismal start to 2024 left Alpine only able to claim sixth-place in the constructors' standings.
It was nonetheless a considerable achievement, having been down in ninth with only four rounds to run.
After it finished fourth in 2022, the first year of the current rules, it fell to sixth in 2023, but with almost double the number of points it scored last term.
The team has also been preparing for the future with key driver signings. Ryo Hirakawa has joined full-time racers Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan and reserve Paul Aron.
Franco Colapinto, who took over Logan Sargeant's WIlliams seat for the final nine rounds of last season, is expected to also come onboard to further bolster its ranks.
Check out the first image shared by Alpine of its 2026 car below.
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding in the first podcast episode of 2025! Lewis Hamilton becoming a Ferrari driver is a key talking point, as is the beginning of Red Bull's new era following the exit of Sergio Perez.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!