The Alpine Endurance Team unveiled the livery for its 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) campaign this week, even as the French manufacturer prepares to conclude its Hypercar program at the end of the season. The team showcased the colors for its two A424 cars, which will compete in the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans and throughout the WEC season. The design retains the iconic Alpine blue, complemented by white and red, a nod to the brand’s French heritage.
The announcement comes just days after Alpine officially confirmed its withdrawal from the WEC at the end of 2026, bringing an end to its Hypercar project. The decision, reported by Motorsport.com on February 12, 2026, follows a similar move to halt the Dacia rally-raid program. Despite the impending exit, Alpine is pushing forward with its current commitments, aiming to make a final mark on the endurance racing landscape. The Alpine A424 will compete in the Hypercar class, the top tier of the FIA WEC.
Driver Lineups Confirmed for 2026 Season
Alongside the livery reveal, Alpine announced the driver pairings for its two A424 entries. The #35 car will be piloted by António Félix da Costa, Charles Milesi, and Ferdinand Habsburg. The #36 car will feature Frédéric Makowiecki, Jules Gounon, and Victor Martins. These pairings represent a blend of experience and emerging talent as Alpine prepares for its final season in the WEC.
António Félix da Costa brings a wealth of experience in various motorsport disciplines, including Formula E, where he is a former champion. Charles Milesi has established himself as a rising star in endurance racing, while Ferdinand Habsburg adds further experience to the lineup. Frédéric Makowiecki is a seasoned endurance racer, Jules Gounon is known for his GT racing prowess, and Victor Martins is a promising young driver making his mark in single-seaters.
A Legacy in Endurance Racing
Alpine’s involvement in motorsport dates back to its founding by Jean Rédélé, who demonstrated his expertise in competitive driving. The brand has a storied history in rallying and endurance racing, including victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Some of the lightest and most attractive competitors were born in Dieppe, according to Alpine’s own history. The A424 represents a continuation of that legacy, even as the program nears its conclusion.
Alpine first returned to endurance racing in 2013 with an LMP2 program. The Hypercar project began in 2021, initially utilizing a modified Oreca LMP1 chassis with a special dispensation. Since 2024, the team has been competing with its own LMDh prototype, the A424, both in the WEC and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 2026 edition of the iconic race will mark the final appearance of the Alpine A424.
2026 FIA WEC Schedule
The 2026 FIA WEC season is set to commence with the Qatar 1812km race from March 26-28, 2026, at the Losail International Circuit. The schedule includes several other prominent races, including the 6 Hours of Imola (April 17-19), the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (May 7-9), the 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 10-13), the Rolex 6 Hours of São Paulo (July 10-12), the Lone Star Le Mans (September 4-6), the 6 Hours of Fuji (September 25-27), and the Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain (November 5-7). A full schedule is available on the Alpine website.
The decision to end the WEC program has sparked speculation about the future of the Alpine brand itself. However, a spokesperson for Alpine recently stated that the brand will not disappear, despite the withdrawal from the championship. This suggests that Alpine will continue to explore other avenues in motorsport or focus on its road car development.
As Alpine prepares for its final season in the WEC, the team will be looking to build on its existing performance and deliver a strong finish to its endurance racing chapter. The unveiling of the 2026 livery and driver lineups marks a significant step in that direction. Fans can follow the team’s progress throughout the season and witness the final races of the Alpine A424.
The next major event for the Alpine Endurance Team will be the Qatar 1812km race in March, where the A424 will make its competitive debut with its new livery and driver pairings. Further updates on the team’s performance and future plans will be released throughout the 2026 season.
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