An exclusive F1 unveiling on MSC World Europa

Measuring an extraordinary 333 metres in length and 68 metres high, MSC World Europa is the largest world-class cruise ship operated by MSC Cruises. Last Friday morning she docked in the port of Barcelona after arriving from Italy. Later that evening, MSC World Europa was headed for Marseille. During her brief stay in Spain, the French-built ship achieved an historic first.

Featuring a futuristic silhouette and Y-shaped aft, MSC World Europa weighs an incredible 200,000 gross tonnes and houses 2,700 cabins for over 5,000 guests. It also became the first cruise ship in the world to unveil a Formula One car. The Panorama Lounge, located on one of the ship’s 22 decks, provided a fitting setting to reveal BWT Alpine Formula One Team’s 2026 challenger, which will compete in the all-new era of Grand Prix racing.

Partners, media and invite-only guests boarded the MSC World Europa on Friday morning, for the unveiling of the A526 livery, with race drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto in attendance, along with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore, Reserve Driver Paul Aron and other key members of the Alpine executive management and staff, including Managing Director Steve Nielsen and Executive Technical Director David Sanchez.

First to speak on stage was Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises,

Pierefrancesco Vago:

“We’re very proud because it’s the first time a Formula One car has been unveiled on a cruise ship. And as a Team Partner, we’re very honoured to host this on an MSC Cruises ship, as we share a lot of the same values: drivers to deliver performance, innovation, technology, and behind the scenes, an incredible team of technicians and crew members that deliver those same values as BWT Alpine Formula One Team.”

The team docked in Barcelona after a successful shakedown at a wet Silverstone earlier in the week with the A526 running for the first time., The car returned to the track for its first day of running at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Monday, January 26, with Franco first out on track following last week’s presentation.

Pierre and Franco look ahead to F1’s new era

Speaking at the launch of the new car aboard MSC World Europa, Franco was looking forward to starting a new Formula One season from the outset, beginning with the two Bahrain tests ahead of the first Grand Prix in Australia.

Franco Colapinto:

“It’s very important and a new experience for me. Being able to focus with the team since the start of the year has meant I’ve been able to work on many more aspects to prepare. To work on developing the car and to see how it will progress over time is very exciting for me too.”

Now about to start his fourth season with BWT Alpine Formula One Team, Pierre was also eager to rack up mileage in the cockpit of the new Mercedes-powered A526.

Pierre Gasly:

“I’ve been waiting for this day to launch the 2026 car for a while now and excited about what’s to come. The new rules are extremely complex and complicated for all the teams and drivers, but it presents a fresh challenge and one in which we are hoping to maximise and take advantage of.”

After the Barcelona shakedown, the team travels to the Bahrain International Circuit for the first pre-season test on February 11.