As F1 ushers in its biggest regulation changes in decades, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto have shared their thoughts on Alpine’s performance during 2026 pre-season testing, the characteristics of Albert Park, and how they are preparing for the Australian GP this weekend.
Following the behind-closed-doors shakedown in Barcelona that reportedly saw them register 349 laps, Alpine completed 677 laps [3,664 km] around the Bahrain International Circuit across six days of pre-season testing.
While Alpine have shut down their works engine programme and welcomed a new power unit and gearbox supplier in the form of Mercedes, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto will continue to drive for them in 2026.
How Alpine’s preparations are for the 2026 Australian GP
Previewing the Australian GP, Pierre Gasly proclaimed that he is looking forward to competing under the new technical regulations, which will see major changes to the power unit, chassis, and aerodynamic rules in F1.
The Frenchman emphasised how the new cars are radically different from the ones of the previous generations. Additionally, he admitted that getting to grips with the A526’s handling on the track in Barcelona and Bahrain has been a stimulating experience.
“I’m excited to head to Melbourne for the start of the new Formula One season and racing with the new regulations for the first time.
“The cars are completely different to what we have had for my whole career and spending the pre-season figuring out how to get the most out of the new power units, active aero, boost and overtake modes has been an exciting challenge.”
Pretty satisfied with Alpine’s performance during the several rounds of pre-season testing in 2026, Gasly commended the team for their tremendous efforts and being well-prepared for the season-opening Australian GP.
“We performed solidly in Barcelona and Bahrain over the previous month, and I am very proud of the team and all the hard work they’ve put in. I was back in Enstone last week on the simulator and everyone has done an amazing job to get us in a good position to race in Australia.”
Gasly on the traits of Albert Park and things to consider ahead of the race weekend
With the 2026 F1 engines requiring extensive energy management, drivers have to downshift on the straights, engage in lift and coast, and even utilise ‘super clipping’ to harvest energy around a lap.
As one of the faster tracks on the F1 calendar, Albert Park will offer fewer opportunities to recover energy through braking.
Pierre Gasly underlined how the characteristics of Albert Park will pose different challenges compared to a ‘harvest-rich’ track like Bahrain and a relatively ‘harvest-poor’ Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Moreover, he singled out the temperamental weather as one of the factors Alpine will have to take into account ahead of the F1 race weekend in Melbourne.
Stressing the need for getting the primary set-up right during the two hours of practice on Friday, Gasly stated that he is eager to demonstrate the knowledge he has recently acquired and push the Alpine to its limits as qualifying for the 2026 Australian GP gets underway on Saturday.
“Albert Park is going to be a very interesting test for the new cars. The tracks we have driven so far have been very different to this one with medium-speed corners in Barcelona and heavy braking zones in Bahrain, a big difference to the flowing nature of this circuit, which is often unpredictable with the Melbourne weather.
“There are a lot of factors we have to keep an eye on and be on top of as we drive competitively for the first time this year. Friday will be important to get the set-up right. Then we will see where we stand in Qualifying where I look forward to really pushing the car and executing some of the new skills we have had to learn. I can’t wait to see what Formula One in 2026 will be like.”
Why the 2026 F1 season spells a new beginning for Colapinto
2026 will mark Franco Colapinto’s third year on the F1 grid, following a stint at Williams in 2024 and replacing Jack Doohan from round seven in 2025. However, it will be his first as a full-time driver, which allowed him to make his pre-season testing debut.
Commenting on how the many hours of running and the data they collected during pre-season testing have allowed him to get a better grasp of their new F1 challenger, Colapinto said that Alpine are keen to enrich their understanding even more when they hit the track for practice at the 2026 Australian GP.
“I’m looking forward to getting on track in Melbourne and starting the new season of racing. This will be my third season in Formula One but is my first time ever preparing with pre-season testing and competing in the first Grand Prix of the year.
“This has been helpful for me personally to understand these new cars as we aim to have a competitive season. We overall had positive tests in Barcelona and Bahrain and gathered a lot of important data which we have been analysing back in Enstone with some very busy days in the Simulator.
“Every session we learn even more and that will definitely be the case when we begin the practice sessions in Albert Park.”
Colapinto excited to learn how competitive Alpine are at the 2026 Australian GP
Sharing opinions similar to that of his experienced teammate, Franco Colapinto recounted his prior experience racing at the Albert Park Circuit and remarked that he expects the new F1 cars to interact differently with the track.
The Argentinian also explained how Alpine’s preparation on Friday will set the tone for the rest of their race weekend at the 2026 Australian GP. Furthermore, he stated that he is looking forward to finally turning the wick up and discovering where they emerge in the early pecking order as all 22 drivers try to get on top of racing under the new regulations.
“The circuit is very high-speed. I raced there in F2 and F3, and I’m expecting it to be a very interesting challenge for this new generation of Formula One cars.
“We will work hard on Friday to be in the best position possible for qualifying and the race and I’m excited to push the car properly and see where we stand. It’s going to be a new way of racing for all of us and I’m keen to see how it all unfolds.”
