Alpine set for 2026 season launch in Barcelona

The Alpine Formula 1 team will hold a season launch event in Barcelona on 23 January, shortly before pre-season testing gets under way at the Catalan track from 26-30 January.

The squad made the announcement in a social media post which does not disclose much information as to what will actually happen, and whether its actual 2026 challenger might be revealed; Motorsport understands only a livery unveil is planned.

Alpine will seek to make the most of F1’s new technical regulations to bounce back after finishing last in the 2025 constructors’ championship, which is unprecedented in the last 40 years for the Enstone-based outfit.

The team made a conscious decision to switch resources to its 2026 project quite early, which partly explains its downturn in performance this year.

“If it gives me better results next year, I literally do not care about this season – and it will be all worth it,” Pierre Gasly said last month. “Because the reality is what we could have fought for this year is still not good enough for us. And these couple of weeks or months can potentially give us a head start on some other teams and bring much better success, which is what we are seeking, ultimately.

“So, yeah, fully backing the team in what we did. It’s a bit drastic, but sometimes to achieve greatness, you’ve got to make tough choices.”

Alpine’s line-up will be unchanged in 2026, with Franco Colapinto joining Gasly again.

The Frenchman recently signed a long-term contract until 2028, while the Argentine was confirmed only last month amid doubts that his form was up to par.

2026 F1 team launch schedule

Date	Team(s)	Location	Car reveal?
15 January	Red Bull Racing Bulls	Detroit, Michigan	Livery only
23 January	Alpine	Barcelona	Livery only (TBC)
9 February	Aston Martin	TBC	2026 car