Alpine's Promising Start to the 2026 F1 Season

Alpine has found a new lease on life in 2026, thanks to their switch to Mercedes power units. Sitting in fifth place in the Constructors' Championship, just two points shy of Haas, the team is showing signs of significant improvement from last year's struggles. The partnership of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto seems to be paying off, especially with Gasly consistently scoring points across the first three Grands Prix.

Gasly has been the shining star for Alpine so far, demonstrating resilience and skill. After a less-than-ideal qualifying session in Australia, he managed to claw his way back to a 10th place finish. His efforts continued with a sixth-place finish in Shanghai and seventh in Suzuka, indicating the team's upward trajectory. Notably, Gasly held his ground against a charging Max Verstappen in Japan, a feat that underscores his current form.

Colapinto, while not as consistent as Gasly, secured his first point for the team with a 10th place in China. His race was not without its drama, as contact with Esteban Ocon led to an unfortunate spin. Nonetheless, bringing both cars home in the points was a significant milestone for Alpine, a feat they've struggled to achieve in recent seasons.

Optimism is high within the team as they have nearly matched their entire points tally from last year after just three races. The Mercedes power unit has given them a competitive edge, although they still trail the Ferrari-powered Haas in terms of start-line speed. Alpine knows that continued development is crucial to maintain their momentum and address any underlying chassis issues that the powerful engine might be masking.

Gasly remains positive about the team's prospects, noting the car's solid baseline and the need to close the gap to the quicker teams. Colapinto, meanwhile, is focused on improving his qualifying performances to give himself a better chance on race day. Team Executive Adviser Flavio Briatore is optimistic as well, believing Alpine is in the mix with Red Bull as the fourth-fastest car on the grid.

Looking ahead, Alpine is determined to enhance their car's performance during the spring break. A key focus will be on Colapinto's one-lap pace, which has been a weak point. If both drivers can consistently score points, it could put additional pressure on their rivals.

In summary, Alpine's start to the 2026 season has been promising, fueled by their new engine partnership and a determined driver lineup. However, they must continue to develop and refine their car to ensure they remain competitive as the season progresses.