Alpine already working in wind tunnel on 2026

2026 is tomorrow. If the 2025 season has not yet started, Alpine is also already looking ahead to the following year. The one that will mark the introduction of a new regulation, particularly in terms of motorization with the disappearance of the famous MGU-H (thermal generator engine which allows the recovery of energy from the turbocharger) in order to reduce costs, among other things.

Some teams have therefore taken advantage of this new year to launch 2026. Indeed, until now, The FIA ​​banned teams to work on the aerodynamics of F1 2026 before 2025. The French team therefore drew its guns from the first days to activate its wind tunnel.

« We have been very busy in the wind tunnel, it was announced at Alpine. Last week, in accordance with FIA regulations, official wind tunnel testing of the team's 2026 car (A526) began. »

We've been busy in the wind tunnel alright 😎

Last week, in accordance with FIA regulations, official Wind Tunnel testing of the 2026 BWT Alpine Formula One Team car (A526) began 💪 pic.twitter.com/MwgX0oMzCB

—BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) January 7, 2025

Last December, David Sanchez, Executive Technical Director ofAlpine, told us that the team was already devoting " beaucoup » from time to 2026. « We have teams that are already 100% focused, others at 50%., he pointed. Personally, I try to make sure that all aspects are covered, and that we spend the necessary time on the fundamentals. Emergencies are not equal. There are things that we can afford to develop in several months, others that we did well to start a year ago. »

As a reminder, 2026 will mark a before and after for Alpine since for the first time in its history, the French team will be a client while Mercedes will provide it with its engines.

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