Cadillac: From Zero to F1 in Record Time, Alpine Finds a Lifeline

Passing these tests means chassis designs are effectively frozen, allowing teams to focus on aerodynamic refinement ahead of pre-season testing. For two teams under immense pressure—one to prove it belongs, the other to survive—this success is a critical vote of confidence.

Cadillac: The Strategy of « Start Simple, Upgrade Fast »

Cadillac’s approach is unconventional but pragmatic. Team principal Graeme Lowdon admitted that failing would have forced a redesign they simply didn’t have time for. With chassis homologation locked in, they now face the challenge of aerodynamic development.

Alpine: A Reset Button After Disaster

For Alpine, passing the crash test is a rare bright spot after a catastrophic 2025 season where they finished last in the constructors’ championship. The 2026 car represents a total gamble on survival, powered by a new partnership with Mercedes.

« We’ve got the crash test milestone, but every machine in the factory is making bits for the ’26 car, » said managing director Steve Nielsen. The team’s focus is now entirely on shedding weight from early prototypes that were significantly over the limit.

“We don’t have the resources to develop our own engine and a competitive chassis. This is our best shot.”
— Steve Nielsen, Alpine Managing Director

The Road Ahead

The 2026 FIA crash tests are the toughest ever, reflecting new safety demands for lighter, faster cars with active aerodynamics. With the structural hurdles cleared, the race shifts to on-track performance.

Conclusion

Passing the 2026 crash tests is a huge achievement, but the real work starts now. Cadillac must leverage its Ferrari partnership to avoid early struggles, while Alpine’s Mercedes gamble could either save the team or plunge it deeper into crisis. One thing is certain: 2026 will be a season of survival, and these two teams have just cleared their first major hurdle.