Alpine are Renault’s sporting brand in Formula 1, continuing a legacy that stretches back to the turbo revolution of the 1970s and the championship-winning years of the 2000s. The French manufacturer’s commitment to the sport has been tested in recent seasons, but the 2026 regulations offer a natural reset.
The driver pairing of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto brings together French experience and Argentine flair. Gasly is the established team leader, a race winner with deep knowledge of the Enstone-based operation. Colapinto arrives as one of the most exciting young talents in the sport, with a passionate Latin American fanbase that could expand Alpine’s global reach significantly.
Alpine’s dual-base operation, with chassis development at Enstone in the UK and engine work at Viry-Chatillon near Paris, has been a source of both strength and tension. The 2026 power unit regulations, with their increased emphasis on electrical deployment, play to the strengths of manufacturers willing to invest in battery and motor technology.
The team’s recent results have not matched their heritage, but regulation changes are precisely when the established order can be disrupted. Alpine have the infrastructure, the engineering talent, and the manufacturer backing to be competitive if their 2026 concept hits the target.
French fans have no dedicated home grand prix, but the Monaco Grand Prix in June and the Barcelona round offer the closest European venues. Most European races start at 14:00 CEST, providing perfect afternoon viewing from France.