The French team Alpine, with Argentine Franco Colapinto as one of the reserve drivers, presented its new single-seater for the 2025 Formula 1 season, confirming that it is based on last year's A524. The team has opted for a conservative strategy focused on reducing costs and directing resources towards the development of the 2026 car, which will feature Mercedes engines.
According to reports from PlanetF1, the new single-seater A525-05 from Alpine is built on the foundation of the previous model without radical changes; rather, it is a refined evolution of the aerodynamic package. This approach allowed Pierre Gasly to score points in key races in 2024, such as the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.
The team has focused on improving airflow at the front by reducing the crash structure to better utilize the slot gap and minimize drag. The side pods are designed to keep the air intake low on the bodywork, optimizing cooling and aerodynamic efficiency, limiting the undercut effect.
At the rear, the suspension has been redesigned to optimize the usable space for airflow, and the engine cover features small openings instead of the traditional shark fin along the center line. The unknown lies in whether this strategy from Alpine will allow it to remain competitive in the midfield of the grid or if its rivals, with more ambitious projects, will surpass the French team.
Alpine closed the 2024 season with good qualifying performance but difficulties in race pace, so additional improvements will be needed to close that gap. The team will return to the track this Saturday in the first race of the Formula 1 calendar at the Australian Grand Prix at 1 a.m., Argentina time.
