Alpine Rolls Two‑Driver Format at Fuji
Alpine will rival the Fuji 6 Hours with just two drivers on each of its two A424 LMDh cars, after deeming Antonio Felix da Costa and Fred Makowiecki surplus to the race’s new lineup.
Team principal Philippe Sinault said the decision is the culmination of a long‑standing plan. The WEC’s 2026 calendar was reshaped after the war in West Asia, removing longer races in Qatar and Bahrain that had demanded three drivers. With the season solely comprised of six‑hour events, Alpine opted to try the two‑driver strategy, a precedent seen with Porsche and Aston Martin in Hypercar.
Sinault noted the switch was postponed in Austin because of extreme heat and concerns over driver fatigue; Fuji provided the first suitable test after the Lone Star Le Mans on 6 September. The team rallied engineers, mechanics and drivers for a swift transition, but the move left da Costa and Makowiecki disappointed, a fact the driver pair admitted was hard to accept.
Current Line‑Up and Team Reactions
#35 Alpine A424 will enter the race with Antonio Felix da Costa, Ferdinand Habsburg and Charles Milesi, while #36 Alpine A424 will carry Jules Gounon, Frederic Makowiecki and Victor Martins. The rosters reflect the new two‑driver approach, being the only French team to deploy a reduced driver complement this season.
Da Costa shared a short Instagram photo that indicated he was bound for Japan before withdrawing, then informed of the line‑up change alongside the rest of the pit‑crew. Sinault confirmed the decision was “not easy” and that the team, while disappointed, had to act decisively.
Future Strategy for Barcelona and Monza
After Fuji, the WEC will return to Europe for Barcelona and Monza. Sinault said the remaining races remain undecided; the team may re‑add da Costa and Makowiecki if they prove advantageous. Timing constraints keep the decision close to the events, but the Alpine unit remains ready to adjust the driver configuration to secure the best possible finish for the season.
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