Alpine team on site at Silverstone for A526 shakedown

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A damp Silverstone provided the backdrop on Wednesday as Alpine quietly turned the page on a challenging chapter, rolling out the A526 for its first on-track shakedown.

With Pierre Gasly behind the wheel and rain glistening across the circuit, the Enstone-based team focused on essential systems checks rather than speed, running a livery closely resembling last year’s design.

Both Flavio Briatore and Franco Colapinto were present for the outing. Alpine will hold its official launch this Friday, January 23.

Coming less than a week before the opening pre-season test in Barcelona, the outing made Alpine the fourth team to give its 2026 car track time, following early runs from Audi, Cadillac and Racing Bulls.

Photo: @MorpheusAwoke

Beyond the timing, the moment carried extra weight: it marked Alpine’s first laps powered by a Mercedes engine, ending Renault’s long-standing works power unit programme.

After finishing last in the constructors’ championship in 2025 and shifting its full attention to the new regulations midway through the season, this wet Silverstone shakedown hinted at a fresh start — measured, purposeful, and firmly focused on what comes next.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.