Alpine Sporting Director Steve Nielsen is looking back and forward at the same time after the opening half of 2026 F1 Bahrain Testing. In fact, the recently hired Formula 1 expert is handling a rather multifaceted situation while entering his first full season with the French team.
A completely new era for Alpine F1
Following the implementation of the new F1 2026 regulations, Alpine has completely changed its status on the grid. After a long, established tenure as own engine manufacturer, from the upcoming season the French team will begin to supply power units from Mercedes.
Consequently, a whole new role, as well as a significantly different power dynamic, is in the cards for Alpine F1 in 2026, in Nielsen’s own words. According to the British engineer, by no longer producing their own engine components a new bond has been closely created with provider Mercedes, as well as other customer teams Williams and McLaren.
Producing own power units strongly increases overall expenses, while also allowing more freedom in terms of production and demand. On the other hand, teaming up with such a well-renowned and illustrious team like the World Championship winning German manufacturer will definitely bring some performance advantages, as well as increased stability.
“Yeah, honestly, it’s very simple. Viry was our own PU. We had rather more say over things than we do with Mercedes because now we’re a customer. Our influence is also influenced, or sorry, our demands also are perhaps different to McLaren’s, perhaps different to Williams, perhaps different to the factory team. So, we are not a lone voice anymore. We’re one of three customers. So it’s a different dynamic.”
Steve Nielsen’s first impressions as Alpine F1 Sporting Director
Nielsen also recounted his entire experience so far at Alpine F1, ahead of his first full season within the team in 2026. Having had lengthy experience in the top single seaters championship working with famed and successful teams such as Benetton/Renault, Toto Rosso, and Williams F1, the Brit is well-equipped for this new French adventure.
Nielsen joined the former championship winning outlet in July 2025, following his predecessor Oliver Oakes’s departure. He is looking forward to strengthen the team, however, he is aware of the fact that it’ll be a long-term, slow process.
“Yeah. It’s a journey. It takes time. You can’t, unfortunately, come in and make changes, and it’s not a question of tinkering the spanners around and, OK, we’re all good now. It’s people, and people in Formula 1 are the quality of the people you need in certain areas.”
What to work on in 2026 and on
Especially is such a tight knit world like Formula 1 is, human capital is the most valuable asset an organisation can rely on.
“In many cases, you know the person you need. You try and persuade them to come. They’re on a year’s notice. They may be in a team that’s already winning. So the biggest thing is people. We’re very strong in some areas. There are other areas where we need some different talent, but getting that is tough, particularly when you’re a team that’s been at the back.”
In spite of the fact that it’s going to be a long-term improvement, and that it won’t happen in a season, Nielsen is confident Alpine F1 in 2026 can embark on an upward trend.
“But we’re on that journey. It will take years. The important thing for us is to make a step each year, and we’re on that journey.”
