Alpine Completes First Shakedown of Mercedes‑Powered A526 at a Rain‑Soaked Silverstone
Alpine has officially put its 2026 Formula 1 challenger, the A526, on track for the first time, completing a low‑profile but highly significant shakedown at a wet Silverstone Circuit on Wednesday. The run marks the team’s first outing with its new Mercedes power unit, a major shift following Renault’s decision to end its long‑running engine program at the close of 2025.
A526 Turns Its First Laps in Difficult Conditions
The Enstone‑based team conducted the shakedown less than a week before pre‑season testing begins in Barcelona on January 26–30. Persistent rain covered the circuit throughout the day, but Alpine proceeded with its systems checks, running a livery closely resembling last season’s design.
Pierre Gasly handled driving duties, completing the car’s first installation laps and early‑run evaluations.Leaked footage circulating online showed the A526 navigating the Maggots‑Becketts‑Chapel complex, with the sound of Mercedes’ new‑generation power unit clearly audible despite the conditions. The outing also drew the presence of senior Alpine figures, including Flavio Briatore and Franco Colapinto, who observed the run from trackside.
A Major Milestone in Alpine’s Transition to Mercedes Power
This shakedown carries more weight than a typical filming day. It represents the first time Alpine has run a Mercedes engine in one of its Formula 1 cars, following the team’s switch to customer status for the new 2026 regulations.
The move ends decades of Renault‑built power units powering the Enstone operation. Alpine becomes the fourth team to run its 2026 car on track, following Audi, Cadillac, and Racing Bulls, who completed their initial outings earlier this week.
The team enters 2026 after a difficult 2025 campaign, finishing last in the constructors’ standings. The early shakedown suggests Alpine is pushing to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles and accelerate its adaptation to the new engine partnership.
What‘s Next
Alpine’s first run with the A526 signals a critical turning point for the organization. The team begins a new era with Mercedes power, a fresh technical direction, and a car that must pull them out of the basement after a disastrous 2025.
Running ahead of schedule, even in heavy rain, shows Alpine’s urgency to stabilize its program and gather data before official testing begins. The next step comes on Friday, when the team formally unveils the A526 and its 2026 livery.
