Overview
- Alpine has committed to running Mercedes power units from 2026, ending its Renault supply after a technical agreement reported as signed last November.
- The team stopped developing the A525 after the Spanish Grand Prix to concentrate resources on the 2026 chassis and power-unit integration, including packaging for a larger battery under the new rules.
- Early program checkpoints include passing the FIA crash test and successfully firing up the Mercedes engine before winter running.
- Pre-season testing is scheduled for January 26–30 in Barcelona, where Alpine aims to validate weight, aero load and systems targets on the new-spec car.
- With the budget cap for 2026 reported to rise to $215 million, Alpine is managing the season’s close with a pink ‘Casino Mood’ livery for Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Franco Colapinto confirmed for 2026, and Pierre Gasly upbeat after scoring in São Paulo.