As Formula 1 prepares for its next major regulatory overhaul in 2026, Alpine’s Managing Technical Director David Sanchez made it clear: Teams have no excuse not to do this.
With the new Mercedes customer engine deal and renewed focus on preparation, Sanchez believes Alpine is well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the new era in the sport.
The French team has consistently strived for regular podium finishes and race wins over the past decade. However, there have only been nine top-three finishes over the past nine seasons, with Esteban Ocon’s win at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix the only hope.
Despite the shortfall, Alpine finished the 2024 campaign with significant momentum, with the Enstone team amassing an impressive 51 points from the final four rounds of the championship, highlighted by the team’s remarkable double podium in Brazil with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly .
A new chapter with Mercedes Power
The 2026 season not only introduces new technical regulations, but also marks a strategic change for Alpine as it ends Viry-Châtillon’s in-house engine program and switches to Mercedes customer engine deals.
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Sanchez emphasized that these changes do not leave Alpine at a technical disadvantage compared to other teams.
“Now the engine must perform the same whether it is for the customer or the work team,” explained Sanchez. “So it’s not a problem anymore. [if] Work teams can get the most out of their engines.
Alpine technical director David Sanchez (left) and team boss Oliver Oakes.
“Then all the engines, in terms of packaging and integration, [are] Now it’s very well packaged. And the aero regulations have some legality boxes that are intentionally large enough to avoid favoring one PU manufacturer over another.
“So now, depending on what engine the car has, I think we can be a customer team and be very good.”
High goals for 2026
When asked whether 2026 would serve as a reality check for Alpine, Sánchez’s answer was succinct: “Yes.”
But he remains confident about the team’s trajectory heading into a new era.
“When I look at how we are preparing for 2026, I don’t see any fundamental weaknesses that will hold us back in 2026,” he said.
“So I think we can do some good things in ‘26.”
Strategic development within constraints
Current budget constraints and aerodynamic testing constraints will require F1 teams to carefully balance resource allocation between the upcoming seasons.
Development on the 2026 vehicle is already underway, and Sanchez said Alpine has a clear strategy for managing this transition.
“I can’t be 100% sure it won’t change depending on the outcome,” he admitted. “Hopefully we can stick to our strategy so we don’t have any surprises.”
Sanchez also acknowledged that the 2025 rankings could change depending on how the team prioritizes development for 2026.
“One thing comes to mind. [team] “It is moving towards 2025,” he added, without naming names.
A clean slate for Alpine
As a customer team, with no “fundamental weaknesses” identified and no engine-related shortcomings, Alpine will enter 2026 regulation optimistically reset.
Alpine has faced many challenges over the years, but upcoming rule changes and new engine deals offer a new opportunity to deliver on its long-standing promise to become a regular contender for podiums and wins.
According to Sanchez, the team’s readiness to take on this challenge will leave “no excuses” in the new era.
