Alpine (previously Renault) have confirmed that they have struck a deal with Mercedes for power units. Marking the end of an era, Alpine will no longer use their Renault–developed engines that have been a cornerstone of the team’s identity. From 2026, when new regulations kick in, Alpine will transition into a customer team and source their engines from Mercedes-Benz under a contract that extends till 2030.
“The multi-year agreement will see Mercedes-Benz supply the BWT Alpine Formula One team with power units for the duration of the new regulation era, from 2026 until at least 2030,” confirmed Alpine in their official statement. “Alongside the power unit, BWT Alpine Formula One team will also be supplied with Mercedes gearboxes from the 2026 season.”
Presently, Mercedes have been trusted by a group of elite teams relying on the German manufacturer’s engines, including McLaren, Williams and of course the factory Mercedes-AMG F1 Team, highlighting thesignificant demand for and reliability of Mercedes power units. Alpine’s deal with Mercedes will follow a traditional customer-team model.
A season to Forget for Alpine
Alpine have been going through a particularly challenging period. The team once used to be a midfield contender but have struggled significantly in the current season. Their sixth position in the Constructors’ Championship is the result of an utterly unexpected 2nd-3rd-place finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The double podium at Interlagos contributed 33 out of their total 49 points for the season. Without that dream finish, Alpine would only be ahead of the grid’s weakest performer.
The decision to scrap their in-house engine program came after a review from Renault’s CEO Luca de Meo. The review questioned the engine program’s feasibility and continued operations, which led to major changes in the team.
While the deal to acquire Mercedes engines may give Alpine a competitive edge in the short term, it has sparked debate about the team’s commitment to the sport. By abandoning their engine program, it seems like Alpine is admitting defeat. Fans also recall F1 denying the entry of the high-profile American Andretti-Cadillac partnership into the sport.
As Alpine steps back from its heritage role as a factory works team, the question remains: does the team’s reduced ambition warrant its continued presence on the grid? Or is Formula 1 better served by fresh entries willing to embrace the challenge of being competitive?