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Alpine has been experiencing a particularly challenging 2025 Formula 1 season, with their performance hitting a low point in recent Grand Prix events. The team's struggles stem from a combination of engine power deficit and car instability. Acknowledging that the current season is unlikely to see significant improvement, Alpine has made a strategic decision to channel its efforts and resources into the upcoming 2026 regulations, where they anticipate a competitive resurgence with a new engine supplier.

Alpine's Current Challenges and Future Outlook

In the recent Italian Grand Prix at Monza and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, Alpine drivers Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly faced considerable difficulties. At Monza, they qualified 18th and 19th respectively, finishing the race in 16th and 17th. In Baku, qualifying positions were 16th and 19th, with race finishes of 18th and 19th, the latter for Colapinto following an incident with Alex Albon. These results mark a historic low for the team, as it's the first time in 44 years they've finished two consecutive races with both cars outside the top 15, excluding DNFs. Pierre Gasly openly expressed his awareness of the team's ongoing struggles, stating that the remainder of the year would likely be difficult and that their current car, the A525, is not expected to change significantly.

A primary factor contributing to Alpine's underperformance is a noticeable lack of engine power. At Monza, the A525 was the slowest car on the straights during qualifying, reaching a top speed of 345.7 km/h, considerably lower than the leading Sauber at 355.9 km/h. During the race, Alpine's cars struggled to exceed 340.3 km/h, while the fastest car, a Williams, hit 364.1 km/h. Although speed trap data showed slight improvement in Baku, with Alpine being third fastest in qualifying and fifth fastest in the race, the power deficit remains a critical issue. Colapinto also highlighted a phenomenon known as 'clipping' on the Monza straights, where the car runs out of energy deployment before braking points, and described the car as unpredictable and difficult to drive, particularly in slow-speed corners.

Adding to their woes, Alpine has ceased bringing major upgrades to the A525 since the Spanish Grand Prix on June 1st. While minor, circuit-specific updates were introduced for the front wing in Montreal and the rear wing in Spa-Francorchamps, these did not provide lasting performance gains. A third upgrade at Zandvoort focused on rear brake-duct furniture for improved wheel wake management, but overall, the team has acknowledged that substantial progress this season is unlikely. This strategic shift is driven by the team's decision to concentrate its budget and aerodynamic testing resources on the new regulations for the 2026 season. Alpine will also transition to a Mercedes engine supplier in 2026, marking a significant change from their long-standing French-based powertrain division. Flavio Briatore, Alpine's executive advisor, emphasized this forward-looking approach, expressing hope for podium finishes in 2026. However, he also admitted that interpreting the new regulations is challenging and that the team might have erred by not continuously developing the current car.

This situation underscores the difficult balance Formula 1 teams face in allocating resources between current performance and future development, especially with major regulation changes on the horizon. Alpine's commitment to a long-term strategy, though painful in the short term, reflects a common approach in the sport where periods of struggle can be endured in anticipation of future success. The upcoming seasons will reveal whether this calculated gamble pays off for the team.

The 2025 Formula 1 season has proven to be a difficult one for Alpine, as the team consistently finds itself at the back of the grid. Recent races in Monza and Baku highlighted the team's struggles, with both Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto failing to make an impact. This marks a historic low for Alpine, which has not seen such consistently poor results in its 44-year history, excluding retirements.

Alpine's performance in the 2025 Formula 1 season has been particularly disheartening, with drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto consistently finishing outside the top 15. The Italian Grand Prix saw them qualify 18th and 19th, while in Azerbaijan, they started 16th and 19th, respectively, after errors in their final flying laps. These results are a stark contrast to the team's past performances, signaling a significant downturn in their competitive standing. Gasly, acknowledging the team's predicament, has indicated that these struggles are likely to persist throughout the remainder of the year.

A primary factor contributing to Alpine's lack of competitiveness is a significant power deficit in their engine. Data from Monza revealed that Alpine's car was the slowest on the straights, with a top speed of 345.7 km/h in qualifying, significantly lower than other teams. While the speed-trap data from Baku showed some improvement, reaching fifth-fastest, this was largely attributed to a low-downforce setup, which compromised cornering performance. Colapinto also highlighted the car's unpredictable nature and instability, particularly in slow-speed corners, forcing drivers to take greater risks.

Despite the current challenges, Alpine's strategic focus has shifted decisively towards the 2026 season. New regulations and a planned switch to Mercedes engines are seen as a fresh opportunity for the team to regain competitiveness. Executive advisor Flavio Briatore emphasized this forward-looking approach, stating that substantial effort is being invested in developing the 2026 car. He openly admitted to the current season's performance being a consequence of prioritizing future development and expressed optimism for a significant turnaround, even targeting podium finishes in 2026.

The team's decision to forgo major upgrades for the current A525 car underscores its long-term vision. Since the Spanish Grand Prix, only minor, circuit-specific updates have been introduced, offering no lasting performance enhancements. This strategy, though detrimental to immediate results, is a calculated move to maximize resources under budget cap and aerodynamic testing restrictions for the upcoming regulatory changes. While Colapinto holds hope for point-scoring opportunities on certain tracks, the team's collective energy is channeled into preparing for a more competitive future.

Ultimately, Alpine's 2025 campaign is characterized by underperformance and a strategic pivot. While the present struggles are evident, the team remains committed to leveraging the impending regulatory changes and its new engine partnership to forge a path back to podium contention in the 2026 season. The commitment from drivers and leadership to this long-term vision is clear, even as they navigate the difficulties of the current season.