(Motorsport-Total.com) – The points success from Miami still resonates with the Formula 1 team Alpine. Because the team from Enstone in England presented itself as the fifth force at the fourth race weekend of the year – an important signal after the mixed start to the season. “That’s why there is also a bit of relief among all of us,” said Franco Colapinto.
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“We are definitely in a much better position. That was visible throughout the entire weekend in Miami. We scored points with both cars. So our work has paid off. That’s why we are going into the weekend in Canada with more confidence.”
But what exactly caused the upturn in form? Was it the new parts on Pierre Gasly’s car or the new chassis for Colapinto? Both contributed, said Colapinto: “I believe the whole package has improved. We focused on the right areas.”
What Alpine improved on the A526
When asked, the Alpine driver is more specific: The A526 benefits especially from its modified floor – and generally from a high development pace. “We already had the best possible parts in Miami, and here in Montreal it is the same again. That is very positive,” said Colapinto. “Now we feel it is going in the right direction.”
Unlike, for example, Aston Martin, the mood at Alpine before the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal (follow all sessions here in the Formula 1 live ticker!) is explicitly positive. “This is a good start,” said Colapinto.
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Why Alpine must not ease up now
But the competition is not sleeping. According to the Argentinian, “this is the big problem and the big question mark”: Due to the many updates now continuously installed on the cars, the balance of power is distorted – depending on whether a team itself implements innovations or not.
“So you actually can’t just sit back and think you are at the top of the midfield,” said Colapinto. “Another team could bring a big update, and suddenly you are behind again. This will only settle at the end of the year. That’s why we have to stay focused – and not just be satisfied with the points so far.”
However, he explicitly rates Alpine’s starting position positively: The A526 is proven to be fast but still has a lot of potential for further development. “That is a very good sign,” explained Colapinto. “We can develop the car in a targeted way.”
One of these goals is the vehicle behavior at high speed. Colapinto admitted: “That is so far our biggest weakness. We already improved in Miami, but we have to do more. The biggest point is the fast corners.”
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