Momentum is a powerful asset in Formula 1 – and right now, Alpine are riding a wave they haven’t felt in quite some time. After a bruising campaign last year, the team heads into the Miami Grand Prix with a renewed sense of purpose, aiming to stretch their points-scoring streak to four races on the bounce.
A month-long pause since Suzuka has done little to cool their confidence. Instead, it has offered a chance to regroup, refine, and reload for the high-energy spectacle in Florida – a race weekend that promises intensity from the very first lap.
And with the second Sprint weekend of the season on deck, there’s no easing into it. One extended practice session, then straight into the competitive fire. For Alpine, it’s the perfect stage to prove their resurgence is no fluke.
Pierre Gasly has been at the heart of Alpine’s recent charge, stacking up points and leading the team’s climb to P6 in the constructors’ standings. Now, he’s eager to pick up right where he left off.
“I am feeling very excited to go racing again,” he said. “Now my focus is back on racing and doing the best job possible in Miami… In the end, we want points and that is our target.”
That target is clear – and non-negotiable. After three consecutive points finishes, Alpine are no longer chasing relevance; they’re defending it.
Gasly is under no illusions about the challenge ahead, especially with rivals expected to bring upgrades to Miami’s fast and unforgiving street circuit. Still, his outlook remains firmly upbeat.
The plan? Simple. Resume the rhythm.
“We will look to resume from where we ended in Japan and that means being well in the mix for Q3 and points,” he explained.
“It will be really interesting to see what everyone brings in terms of upgrades. I know the team at Enstone has worked very hard on bringing performance to the car and I look forward to being back in the A526 this weekend.
“It's a Sprint event so it is important we maximise Free Practice 1 and then execute every session perfectly from then. In the end, we want points and that is our target.”
While Gasly brings experience and consistency, Franco Colapinto arrives in Miami with a different kind of energy – one fueled by a memorable homecoming.
Fresh off a headline-grabbing demonstration run in Buenos Aires last weekend, where he thrilled over half a million fans, the young driver is ready to translate that buzz into performance.
“After the gap following Suzuka, it's really nice to be getting ready for another race week,” he said. “We have a longer FP1 on Friday which will be very helpful to understand our car ahead of a very full-on weekend.”
That single, extended practice session could prove crucial. With Sprint Qualifying looming almost immediately after, teams will have minimal time to dial in their setups – making preparation during the break all the more vital.
Colapinto’s focus is clear and aligned with the team’s broader mission.
“Our goal, as usual, is to do the best job possible and to resume the season with another points finish,” he added.
Behind the scenes, Alpine have been anything but idle. Sporting director Steve Nielsen revealed that the team has spent the downtime pushing development on the A526, with upgrades ready to roll out in Miami.
“In Formula One terms, having a month away from racing is very unusual,” said the veteran F1 manager.
“That being said, it has been an exceptionally busy few weeks for the team. We have had a competitive start in 2026 with points scored at each round and that continues to be our intention at every event.
“We know our rivals will have worked hard on upgrades so it will be interesting to see some of the differences on Friday when we're on track once again.
“And, rest assured, we have equally spent the time to review the strengths and weaknesses of our package and worked tirelessly to fast-track some items for Miami this weekend in order to, hopefully, stay in the fight for points.
Consistency – once elusive – is now the benchmark for the French outfit.
But the Sprint format brings its own complications. Limited track time means there’s no margin for error, no luxury of gradual improvements across multiple sessions.
“We have an additional 30mins of Practice on Friday before the fast-paced nature of the Sprint weekend begins. We have to be on it and ready straight away and we look forward to going to Miami and giving it our best,” Nielsen emphasized.
That urgency could define Alpine’s weekend. Get it right early, and then stay in the fight. Miss the mark, and the opportunity slips away just as quickly.
Still, with points in every race so far this season, Alpine arrive in Miami not as hopeful outsiders – but as a team expecting to deliver.
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