Alpine is poised for a significant shift in its journey. The team principal, Flavio Briatore, championed the transition from Renault to Mercedes engines, thereby eliminating a persistent rationale for their previous struggles. Having concluded the prior year at the lowest position in the constructors’ standings, the engineering team at Enstone has embraced the revised regulations with innovative and exploratory approaches.
Under David Sanchez’s guidance, the A526 aims to elevate the French marque to a position befitting a factory-backed squad, following a remarkably tough 2025 campaign. Beyond the engine, a key factor mentioned for last season’s disappointing points tally was an early strategic shift to concentrate solely on the upcoming 2026 regulations – and the outcomes of this strategy became truly visible this week.
This vehicle deviates from current popular design philosophies, incorporating several fascinating features certain to provoke discussion, primarily due to its pull-rod front suspension configuration – an approach adopted solely by the new entrant, Cadillac. Leading teams like McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari previously discarded this concept, returning to a more traditional push-rod arrangement.
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Photo by: Alpine
The distinctive blue and pink vehicle showcases several noteworthy concepts meriting detailed examination. Sanchez’s aerodynamics specialists have also implemented a novel mechanism for engaging the rear adjustable wing, diverging from common practice: the activating component depresses the rearward portion of the adaptable element, as opposed to lifting its forward edge.
Further scrutiny is due for the rear wing’s endplates. These components exhibit a gentle outward curve at their apex, designed to enhance the rear wing’s airflow efficiency, which itself must conform to strict dimensional constraints. This detail suggests the engineering team is meticulously addressing the challenge of achieving optimal front-end equilibrium under the revised technical guidelines.
Franco Colapinto in the Alpine A526 on the first day of the Barcelona shakedown. Note the unusually long and tapered sidepod profile, with a bulge for the mandatory side-impact spur
Photo by: Alpine
The radiator’s intake aperture sits significantly ahead of the lateral anti-intrusion structure, which slightly projects from the sidepod and integrates into a shape that stays independent of the main sidepod body. Initial modifications were observed by the third day, with additional refinements anticipated during ongoing development.
The A526 maintains an excavated top portion of its sidepod; concurrently, during the third testing day in Barcelona, the engine cowling was left open to facilitate the expulsion of warm air generated by the Brixworth-produced power plant.
Alpine A526: front wing detail featuring the flow conditioning vanes
Photo by: Formula 1
A secondary supporting strut became visible on the bargeboard positioned aft of the front wheel – an element absent on the initial testing day. Nevertheless, the flow conditioning devices beneath the front wing were preserved, recalling prior designs that had been prohibited by earlier regulatory frameworks.
