In a major shift in Formula 1 dynamics, the Alpine team has confirmed it will adopt Mercedes power units starting from the 2026 season. This decision, publicly announced recently, follows a comprehensive review by Alpine’s parent company, Renault, which decided to end its in-house engine program based at Viry-Chatillon in France. Instead of pursuing an independent engine development project, Alpine is now set to benefit from the power and expertise of Mercedes, marking a new era in the team’s competitive strategy.
Strategic Decision to Boost Competitiveness
The move away from a self-made engine program to a customer relationship with Mercedes appears to be a carefully calculated decision by Renault's leadership, including CEO Luca de Meo and advisor Flavio Briatore. By forming a technical partnership with Mercedes, Alpine will have access to engines developed by one of the most successful manufacturers in the sport’s modern era. This approach reflects the team's ambition to boost its performance and secure a more competitive edge on the grid.
In addition to the power units, Alpine will also receive gearboxes from Mercedes. This dual supply arrangement will simplify the integration of the Mercedes engine and gearbox into Alpine’s chassis for 2026, a crucial step in ensuring compatibility and reducing operational complexity. Alpine has secured a multi-year deal with Mercedes that covers the upcoming regulations era, from 2026 to at least 2030. This agreement offers Alpine stability and technical continuity, crucial elements as Formula 1 enters a new regulatory period emphasizing efficiency and sustainability.
Transition Period: Aiming for Strong 2024 and 2025 Performances
While the Mercedes partnership begins in 2026, Alpine remains committed to maximizing its current resources for the upcoming seasons. Team principal Oliver Oakes and other leadership members are focused on ending the 2024 and 2025 seasons as strongly as possible. The team’s recent success in Brazil, where it jumped from ninth to sixth in the constructors’ standings, illustrates the potential Alpine still holds with drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon.
As part of a larger restructuring, Alpine’s management is also planning internal upgrades at the team’s Enstone base. The shift to Mercedes power in 2026 aligns with these changes, enabling the team to reorganize around a clear, unified technical strategy. However, this doesn’t mean Alpine will entirely abandon its engineering ambitions. Reports indicate Alpine is exploring the possibility of returning to gearbox production in 2027, allowing it to retain some independence within the powertrain domain.
Mercedes-Alpine Partnership: Broader Implications in F1
Alpine’s transition to Mercedes engines brings additional shifts to the F1 paddock. Currently, Mercedes supplies Aston Martin with engines, but with Aston Martin switching to Honda power units in 2026, Alpine will effectively take over that supply line. This will keep Mercedes’ customer base at four teams: Alpine, McLaren, Williams, and its own works team. This arrangement is advantageous for both parties, as Mercedes can maintain a steady client base for its engine production at Brixworth, while Alpine benefits from Mercedes’ established engine expertise.
Alpine’s new direction also highlights the evolving dynamics of F1’s engine market. In an era where manufacturers are seeking more efficient and powerful solutions, partnerships like these allow smaller teams to focus on other aspects of vehicle design and team strategy without the immense investment required for independent engine development. The collaboration with Mercedes allows Alpine to direct its resources more strategically, freeing up budget and engineering capacity that can now be invested in areas like aerodynamics, driver development, and operational efficiency.
Looking Ahead: Patience and Planning for Success
Alpine’s transition to Mercedes engines is part of a larger strategic evolution. Briatore noted that significant changes are underway to position the team for success beyond 2025, with patience and strategic planning being emphasized as the team adjusts to its new direction. These changes, Oakes suggests, are part of a long-term journey. Building trust, continuity, and steady progress will be essential as the team aims to rise through the ranks in the increasingly competitive world of Formula 1.
With a well-respected engineering powerhouse like Mercedes now supplying Alpine, the team stands poised to make substantial progress. While the partnership’s on-track impact will only be clear after 2026, Alpine’s proactive approach signals an exciting future for fans and a competitive challenge for the rest of the grid.
