Franco Colapinto is buzzing with anticipation as he gears up to participate in pre-season preparations for the first time in his racing career. The Argentine driver, who made his debut with Williams in 2023, is now stepping into a pivotal role with Alpine as they reset their ambitions for the 2026 season. Colapinto firmly believes that the upcoming Alpine A526 will outshine its predecessor, the A525, which struggled throughout the previous season. The combination of fresh regulations and his firsthand involvement in pre-season testing has him feeling optimistic about a more competitive and “positive” future.
Alpine’s journey has been fraught with challenges, particularly during a tumultuous 2025 season characterized by the underperforming A525. The team strategically opted to halt significant development on that car early on, redirecting their focus toward the massive regulatory changes set to take effect in 2026. This strategy included a shift to Mercedes power, marking the end of their long-standing Renault engine program. By prioritizing the new regulations, Alpine aims to capitalize on the low-hanging opportunities these changes present, rather than getting bogged down by continuing the incremental improvements of a mature car.
Colapinto, who took over from Australian driver Jack Doohan after six rounds of the championship, faced an uphill battle in his debut season. With the A525 lacking competitiveness and his late-season entry into the team, he was at a distinct disadvantage, struggling to find his footing. However, the landscape is shifting for 2026. With a contract extension secured, Colapinto is now set to experience the full cycle of pre-season preparations, a departure from the abrupt mid-season transition he faced before.
“I’m really looking forward to 2026, to be honest,” he expressed, reflecting on the advantages of starting fresh with pre-season testing. “Especially like just having a normal year, starting with a pre-season test, and being able to work with a car from scratch is quite nice and quite different from what I’m used to.” This sentiment encapsulates his eagerness to build a solid foundation with the team and the new car.
Colapinto’s confidence in the A526 stems from the team’s commitment to addressing the weaknesses of the previous year’s model. “More than anything, it is focusing on ourselves, just fixing all the issues that we had this year,” he stated. “Knowing that we improved those, I think, makes me quite confident that we are gonna be stronger.” As the new car approaches its debut, the buzz around the factory is palpable, with engineers and designers working tirelessly to ensure that the A526 is ready to compete at a higher level.
Alpine’s managing director, Steve Nielsen, echoed Colapinto’s cautious optimism during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, hinting at a potential “headstart” over rivals. “I think we’ve done all the right things. The chassis has passed its crash tests. It’s lighter, it’s stronger. Looks good, but every team that builds a new car will tell you it’s good,” he remarked, emphasizing that the true test will come when the cars hit the track.
Dave Greenwood, Alpine’s racing director, shared insights into the team’s preparedness, making it clear that they are on track for their ambitious goals. “We’re very happy with where we are,” he asserted, while acknowledging the challenges posed by the new minimum weight limit of 770kg. Greenwood refrained from divulging specifics about their weight target but remained optimistic about meeting this demanding standard.
As January rolls around, Colapinto will immerse himself in preparations for the pre-season tests in Barcelona and Bahrain, noting that the workload will be intense. “It’s gonna be a lot more work than normal, I think,” he said, revealing his enthusiasm for gaining more experience and insight into the new car.
The 2025 season was not one to remember fondly for Colapinto, as he struggled alongside more experienced teammates like Pierre Gasly, who also faced difficulties accumulating points. Yet, this experience has equipped him with invaluable lessons. “It’s very simple. I think from the lows is when you learn the most,” he reflected, acknowledging the growth that comes from adversity and the team’s resilience.
With a renewed sense of purpose and the backing of a team eager to capitalize on their hard work, Colapinto stands on the brink of a new era in his racing career. He is ready to transform challenges into triumphs, eagerly awaiting the competitive spirit that the 2026 season promises to bring. As the excitement builds for Alpine and their new direction, the motorsport world watches closely, anticipating the impact of Colapinto and the A526 on the racetrack.
