Overview
- Alpine has fitted Franco Colapinto’s A526 with the same comprehensive aero upgrade Pierre Gasly used at Zandvoort and the team has confirmed Colapinto will remain with Alpine through 2027.
- The upgrade reworks the floor, diffuser, pontons and rear elements to raise local downforce and Formula 1 estimated it can deliver more than half a second per lap in favourable conditions.
- Pierre Gasly has welcomed Colapinto’s continuity and the move puts both Alpine cars on identical specifications at Monza for the first time this season, giving the team a direct comparison of the update’s effect.
- Mercedes has taken a new power‑unit component for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, which incurs a back‑of‑grid penalty that forces him to start from the rear and creates a tactical opening for midfield teams such as Alpine.
- Colapinto has warned that forecast high temperatures and the 2026 rules that limit electric energy recovery could blunt the upgrade’s benefit by increasing tyre overheating and reducing battery recharge, which will force Alpine to focus on tyre and energy management this weekend.