BWT Alpine F1 Team are a French constructor based in Enstone, England, running Renault power units and fielding Pierre Gasly (car #10) and Franco Colapinto (car #43) in 2026. Under the Renault, Lotus, and Alpine names, the team has accumulated two Constructors’ Championships and 47 race victories since 1977, with roots that include the pioneering turbo engines of the late 1970s that fundamentally changed Formula 1.
For 2026, Alpine field Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto. Gasly is the established team leader, a race winner with deep knowledge of the Enstone operation and the consistency needed to anchor a development programme. Colapinto, the Argentine talent who impressed during substitute appearances in 2024, brings raw speed and a passionate Latin American fanbase that could expand Alpine’s global reach significantly.
Alpine’s history under Renault ownership includes the championship years of Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006, when the team beat Ferrari and McLaren to consecutive titles. Before that, Renault pioneered turbo engines in the late 1970s, fundamentally changing F1 technology. The Enstone factory has also operated as Benetton, where Michael Schumacher won his first two titles in 1994 and 1995, making it one of the most historically significant facilities in the sport.
The team operates a dual-base structure, with chassis development at Enstone in the United Kingdom and power unit work at Viry-Chatillon near Paris. The 2026 power unit regulations, with their increased emphasis on electrical deployment, play to the strengths of manufacturers willing to invest in battery and motor technology. Alpine’s commitment to developing their own engine gives them full control over the integration of chassis and power unit.
Alpine are registered as a French constructor, representing one of F1’s most important automotive markets. While France has no dedicated home grand prix on the 2026 calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix in June and nearby European rounds offer accessible venues for French fans. Most European races start at 14:00 CEST, providing comfortable afternoon viewing from France time.