Alpine conducts filming day with Colapinto during F1's April standstill

Alpine utilized Formula 1's enforced April break to run a filming day at Silverstone, with test and reserve driver Franco Colapinto behind the wheel of the 2026 A526 car. The session allowed the team to gather valuable data and keep its personnel sharp during the calendar's unexpected pause, following similar activities by McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari at other circuits.

Why it matters:

The filming day represents a strategic use of downtime during an unprecedented mid-season halt caused by geopolitical tensions. For Alpine, currently tied on points with Red Bull in fifth place, maintaining operational momentum and continuing development work is crucial to solidify their strong early-season form and capitalize on their new Mercedes power unit advantage.

The details:

• The filming day took place at the Silverstone Circuit, with Argentine driver Franco Colapinto completing laps in the team's 2026 challenger, the A526.
• This activity mirrors other teams' efforts to stay active; McLaren and Mercedes ran at the Nürburgring, while Ferrari conducted a test at Imola.
• Alpine currently sits fifth in the constructors' championship, level on 16 points with Red Bull. Pierre Gasly has contributed 15 of those points, with Colapinto scoring one.
• The team's improved performance this season is partly attributed to its new customer Mercedes power unit, which is considered the strongest engine on the grid.

What's next:

Alpine's immediate focus is on maintaining its positive trajectory when the season eventually resumes. The team has strongly rejected any internal accusations of "sabotage" or favoring one driver over another, emphasizing a transparent and equitable approach to upgrades. With a solid base from the first three races, the enforced break could allow Alpine to refine its package further and return as a stronger midfield contender, aiming to convert its promising pace into more consistent points finishes.