Alpine has been one of the most unreliable teams on the Formula One grid. The team has only collected nine points in the thirteen races leading up to the Hungary GP. As a result, the team is presently ranked eighth in the Constructors’ Cup, just ahead of Williams and Sauber.
Furthermore, the team’s F1 project appears to have stalled due to a lack of velocity. To make matters worse, both drivers, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, declined to cooperate. The team intends to become an F1 customer team ahead of the 2026 regulatory overhaul. Earlier, their hopes hinged on the Red Bull’s powertrain program. However, the Milton Keynes-based outfit declined the offer. Thus, the team is now in talks with the Silver Arrows.
Alpine Plans Complete Technical Overhaul With Potential Suspension And Gearbox Tie-Up With Mercedes
Recently, the Alpine team management announced they are no longer prepared to employ their own power units, which Renault manufactures. As a result, the team considered a prospective 2026 deal with Red Bull. Notably, the Austrian company will collaborate with Ford to build the Red Bull Powertrains. However, the energy drink-based company will give the engines to VCRB and RBR. It would be logistically difficult to add a third customer. As a result, they allegedly rejected Alpine’s offer. However, the team is eager to examine its F1 idea and has not left any stone untouched. Furthermore, the team does not want to rely on the existing engine because the 2026 turbo hybrid era would be a total turnaround. Hence, the crew is resolute about discontinuing work on the future powertrain plans.
Moreover, Alpine’s new motorsport advisor, Flavio Briatore, is actively exploring power unit manufacturing options ahead of the regulatory revamp. After a series of discussions and reactions, Mercedes is the last option for a technical tie-up. According to a report by motorsport.com, Briatore has been spotted several times at the German manufacturer’s factory during the Hungary GP. Although no deal has been signed yet, reports suggest both parties are bargaining for the best deal. Further, the chances of Alpine getting a power unit from Mercedes in 2025 are slim. Thus, it would have to rely on Renault for another season. On the other hand, the Renault engines are competitively inferior to the other teams. Therefore, if somehow the squad could squeeze a deal for 2025, its performance would be considerably increased.
Toto Wolff Hints At Expanding Power Unit Customer Base
Neither Mercedes nor Alpine have officially commented on the potential deal, but Mercedes boss Toto Wolff recently expressed openness to a customer engine agreement. Speaking ahead of the British Grand Prix, Wolff mentioned the benefits of replacing Aston Martin with another team, citing the valuable learning opportunities from such partnerships.
Wolff explained that having more power units in operation could accelerate development and improve Mercedes’ reliability. However, he noted that discussions had not progressed beyond the exploratory stage. The Enstone-based outfit ultimately needs to decide whether to continue with its Formula 1 engine program. Once Alpine makes this strategic decision, Mercedes will consider formal agreements. The Austrian executive emphasized that Mercedes remains open-minded and has communicated this stance to Alpine.
