One of the most critical components in an F1 car is its engine, and since 2014, Mercedes has led the pack with its advanced, highly efficient power units. Known for their cutting-edge technology, Mercedes engines have made the German manufacturer a preferred choice for teams seeking reliable performance. Recently, Alpine has shown interest in becoming a customer rather than producing its own engines.
Alpine, powered by Renault, entered the F1 scene in 2021 and has established itself as a competitive mid-tier team, occasionally challenging the leaders. However, the team has faced considerable difficulties keeping up with powerhouse manufacturers like Mercedes and Honda, which has limited its success to a single race win. In response, Alpine has decided to shift to a customer engine model starting in 2026 to enhance its competitive edge and potentially close the gap with the top teams. Here is why Alpine chose Mercedes out of all the options.
Alpine To Use Mercedes Engine And Gearbox From 2026
The Alpine Formula 1 team has officially confirmed its transition to Mercedes power units starting in the 2026 season. Renault, Alpine’s parent company, finalized the decision to end its own engine development program in Viry-Chatillon, France, which had been preparing new power units for the updated 2026 regulations. Instead, Renault’s CEO, Luca de Meo, along with advisor Flavio Briatore, secured a deal to make Alpine a Mercedes customer team—a partnership that Alpine confirmed in a recent statement.
Additionally, Alpine announced that they will adopt Mercedes gearboxes along with the power units, a move designed to streamline the integration of Mercedes technology with Alpine’s 2026 car design. The multi-year agreement ensures Mercedes-Benz will supply Alpine with power units and gearboxes throughout the next regulation cycle, extending from 2026 to at least 2030. This collaboration with Mercedes aims to boost Alpine’s performance by leveraging the German manufacturer’s renowned engineering capabilities for both engines and gearboxes.
Alpine Adamant To Take ‘Right Steps’ Forward
Flavio Briatore has highlighted the ongoing restructuring efforts at Alpine’s Enstone factory, emphasizing that the team has already made significant internal adjustments this year, with more planned for the near future. According to Briatore, the changes are part of an evolutionary approach aimed at ensuring that Alpine’s 2025 project remains on track, with every recent step aligning closely with that objective.
Team principal Oliver Oakes added that the most transformative changes for Alpine are set to unfold in the lead-up to the 2026 regulation changes. He explained that while immediate changes will be minimal throughout this season, Alpine is carefully laying out its strategy for the years ahead. With steady backing from Alpine’s senior figures like Luca de Meo and Flavio Briatore, Oakes believes the team is positioned for growth. However, he acknowledged that rebuilding trust and ensuring stability after a turbulent period will require time and patience. Alpine’s current focus is on making thoughtful, strategic improvements to solidify its standing in F1 for the upcoming seasons.
