Alpine

Alpine F1 Team is the Renault Group’s factory Formula 1 operation, and they’ve been competing under the Alpine brand since 2021. But here’s the thing — the heritage runs much, much deeper than that. This team has existed in multiple incarnations including Renault, Lotus, and Benetton, with two Constructors’ Championships from the Renault era in 2005 and 2006 when Fernando Alonso drove them to consecutive drivers’ titles. The operation runs from two bases: the chassis factory in Enstone, UK, and the engine facility in Viry-Chatillon, France.

The Alpine brand brings genuine French flair and sportscar heritage to Formula 1. When you dig into the team’s history, it includes some of the sport’s most memorable moments — Michael Schumacher’s first two championships with Benetton in 1994 and 1995, Alonso’s dominant mid-2000s run, and more. Recent seasons have been challenging in terms of outright competitiveness, but make no mistake: the pedigree and resources make this a sleeping giant that’s more than capable of returning to the front.

At the Australian Grand Prix, Alpine’s distinctive livery and passionate French-Australian fanbase ensure strong support at Albert Park. Melbourne’s cosmopolitan character and the circuit’s demanding nature often provide opportunities for midfield teams to punch above their weight — something Alpine have achieved on several occasions with impressive qualifying and race performances.

Team Information

Team Profile

Alpine heads into 2026 with Pierre Gasly and Australian-born Jack Doohan — son of motorcycle legend Mick Doohan — and the storylines practically write themselves. The team has undergone significant restructuring, with young Team Principal Oliver Oakes bringing fresh energy and a modern approach to operations. The big strategic shift? A switch to Mercedes power units for 2026, moving away from the in-house Renault engine programme. The new regulations provide a genuine reset point, and Alpine will be hoping the combination of Mercedes power and their own chassis expertise is enough to propel them up the grid. I wouldn’t count them out.

NC — Staff sports writer, australiafootball.com