P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alpine has become the latest team to confirm the launch date for its 2026 F1 challenger as the outfit prepares its new chapter as a Mercedes customer team next season.
Alpine will unveil its new car for the 2026 Formula 1 season on January 23, ahead of the first Barcelona pre-season test. Having had a challenging year in 2025, the team finished in last place in the Constructors’ Championship, scoring only 22 points. As Alpine transitions to being a Mercedes customer team, it aims to bounce back from its previous setbacks. With Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto staying on as drivers, the team hopes for a significant improvement in its performance next season. The switch to Mercedes engines is expected to provide a boost given the power-unit deficit faced with Renault engines previously.
