The 2025 Formula 1 season is fast approaching and every team will be making the final changes to their cars in the coming weeks ahead of pre-season testing beginning in Bahrain.
All 20 F1 drivers have been confirmed for 2025, and they’ll be itching to drive their new cars for the first time, particularly those who have moved onto new teams such as Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz.
It’s set to be one of the closest seasons in modern history unless one of last year’s frontrunners have suddenly unlocked another level of performance that the rest of the paddock aren’t aware of.
However, focus will quickly switch to next year’s cars with Formula 1’s regulations changing drastically in 2026.
The cars are set to be lighter and smaller, new power units are being developed and there will be moveable aerodynamic surfaces available to the drivers.
Alpine are one of the first teams to tease a glimpse of their new car on social media.
Team principal Oliver Oakes and chief advisor Flavio Briatore have overseen plenty of change at the Anglo-French outfit over the past few months.
Jack Doohan has replaced Esteban Ocon, Franco Colapinto has been signed from Williams to keep the Australian on his toes and their Renault power unit has been abandoned.
Alpine will use Mercedes engines from 2026 and they will hope that helps lift them above F1’s midfield battle.
Alpine tease new 2026 aero part that ‘would not be permitted’ this season
A report from the German outlet Auto Motor und Sport has shared more details about the work going on at Enstone.
They believe that while it’s not clear yet exactly how the cars will look next season, Alpine have provided a glimpse of one new piece of technology being introduced next year.
Alongside the image shared by the team, they said: Alpine: “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.”
READ MORE: All you need to know about Alpine F1 Team from team principal to lineage
The photo shared by the team highlights the end plates from the front wing of their 2026 concept car which are positioned ‘much further inwards’, according to AMuS.
This is part of new regulations that make it more difficult for teams to direct air past their front wheels, which creates the ‘dirty air’ phenomenon that makes it hard for cars to follow each other closely.
It also shows two horizontal guide vanes outside the end plates, which as the report suggests, ‘would not be permitted’ on this year’s car.
This is another measure being used to reduce turbulence behind an F1 car which should make it easier for cars to follow each other on track.
What is a horizontal guide vane and how will it impact Formula 1 in 2026?
As explained above, Formula 1 is trying to make it easier for cars to follow each other on the track, which is why implementing parts such as a horizontal guide vane should theoretically improve racing.
The job of a horizontal guide vane on an F1 car is to manage airflow around the car to improve performance.
It can be placed either on the front wing – as they have been on Alpine’s 2026 car – or on the sidepods and attempts to direct air smoothly along the chassis.
This reduces drag and improves downforce and can also be important for optimising how much grip an F1 car’s tyres have.
READ MORE: Who is Alpine F1 team principal Oliver Oakes? Everything to know
Alpine ended last season on a high, with their double podium finish in Sao Paulo lifting them to sixth in the Constructors’ Championship.
Swapping Ocon for Doohan is an interesting move, but Doohan’s contract may only run for a few races.
Briatore’s decision to bring in Colapinto provides Alpine with a lucrative safety net and while they will be desperate to progress this season, aiming for success in 2026 might not be the worst idea.
