Following the launch of Alpine’s F1 2026 challenger in Barcelona on January 23rd, the Executive Technical Director David Sanchez has provided a detailed look into the engineering technicalities behind the A526. With the sport entering a new era of regulations, Sanchez highlighted the intensive “all-hands-on-deck” effort required over the past year to prepare the team for these radical changes.
Sanchez and Alpine F1 embrace a new design era
Sanchez noted that the Alpine F1 A526 is completely different from previous years, characterised by a significantly more compact architecture.
The new chassis is significantly smaller, measuring 200mm shorter and 100mm narrower. It‘s also 30kg lighter than previous cars.
The former Ferrari man expects these design choices to unlock greater aerodynamic freedom for the team and create more competitive racing by reducing both downforce and drag.
The Frenchman also detailed the challenges posed by the return of active aerodynamics. Alpine’s A526 F1 car features movable front and rear wings, a technology that introduces a new variable for both engineers and drivers.
“Ultimately, the car is shorter and narrower than recent years with some aerodynamic freedom to explore. We have the return of active aero where we have the ability to have movable front and rear wings, something the vast majority of the drivers on the grid will not have experienced before. The reduction in downforce and drag is expected to bring better racing, which I am sure all fans will be intrigued to watch.”
Integration of the Mercedes-AMG power unit
One of the most significant challenges discussed by David Sanchez was the integration of the Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrain (HPP). Following the end of Renault’s engine program, the team has worked closely with Mercedes to integrate the new unit.
Sanchez emphasised that besides the team currently adapting to the new power unit, they are also adjusting to new terminology, focusing on the use of overtake, boost and recharge modes.
Furthermore, the engine is designed to run on 100% sustainable fuels, adding another layer of complexity to the technical engineering.
“Then, of course, we have more electric power in the power units since we have partnered with Mercedes-AMG for 2026. It has been fantastic to work closely with our new colleagues from Brixworth in recent months and weeks, as we all work together to understand how best to maximise the package.
“In addition to the power unit challenge and the new 100% sustainable fuels, we will also have some new terminology for us to get used to with overtake mode, boost mode and recharge all set to enter our vocabulary this year.”
Looking toward the circuit
Sanchez described the past year as an “interesting challenge,” but the team now shifts its full focus to the steep learning curve in Barcelona. With the official shakedown scheduled for Monday 26th January, the crew aims to fully understand the A526 in a live environment.
“With such big changes in the regulations, this project has been a very interesting challenge and one we have really given our all towards.
“All of us at Enstone look forward to getting started in Barcelona next week where we have much to learn and understand on the A526.”
