In a historic “first” for both the cruise and racing industries, the BWT Alpine Formula One Team has officially traded the asphalt for the ocean to reveal its 2026 look. Earlier today, docked at MSC Cruises’ brand-new, state-of-the-art terminal in Barcelona, the team unveiled the livery for its 2026 challenger—the A526—aboard the magnificent MSC World Europa.
This landmark event marks the first time in Formula 1 history that a team has launched its season livery on a cruise ship, further cementing the “Premium Partnership” between MSC Cruises and Alpine that began in early 2025.
Racing Stars and Sustainable Tech
The event was a star-studded affair, featuring Alpine drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, alongside Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore. They were joined by MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago in the ship’s stunning Panorama Lounge, where floor-to-ceiling windows provided a dramatic backdrop of the Barcelona coastline.
While the glamour of F1 was front and center, the underlying theme of the day was sustainability. In a nod to the future of both industries:
- Net-Zero Event: MSC World Europa operated on Bio-LNG for the duration of the launch, achieving net-zero carbon emissions for the event.
- Synthetic Fuels: The reveal highlighted that Alpine’s 2026 car will run on synthetic fuels—a technology MSC Cruises is also exploring for its future fleet.
- French Excellence: Both brands celebrated their heritage; the A526 represents French engineering, while MSC World Europa was built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
A Taste of the High Life
Guests at the launch weren’t just there for the car. MSC Cruises showcased its world-class hospitality with a bespoke menu crafted by its award-winning corporate chefs. Highlights included chilled lobster medallions with Siberian caviar and hot-seared scallops with truffle dressing—dishes that lucky cruisers can experience across the MSC fleet.
The event also highlighted a major environmental milestone for MSC: the rollout of AQUA by MSC. Using BWT’s state-of-the-art filtration technology, the cruise line is on track to eliminate over 4 million plastic water bottles per month across its fleet by 2026.
Want to See the Car?
If you are booked on MSC World Europa in the coming days, you are in luck! MSC has confirmed that the BWT Alpine F1 Team’s 2026 car will remain on board for the ship’s onward journey, giving cruise fans a rare, up-close look at the future of Formula 1.
For those of us watching from the shore, this partnership continues to prove that whether it’s on a track or on the waves, MSC Cruises is consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation and entertainment.
What do you think of the new Alpine livery? Would you love to see more F1 events on MSC ships? Let us know in the comments below!
