The landscape of Formula 1 is set for another seismic shift as Alpine confirms its transition to becoming a Mercedes customer team starting in 2026. The move, spurred by Renault’s decision to exit as an engine manufacturer, signals the end of an era for the Anglo-French outfit and ushers in a bold new partnership with the sport’s most successful powertrain supplier.
With Alpine now set to purchase power units and gearboxes from Mercedes, the team is betting on a fresh approach to reclaim competitiveness in the next era of F1.
Renault Bows Out: “We Want People to Stay, But Not By Force”
Renault’s withdrawal comes as a significant shake-up for Formula 1’s upcoming regulations, which promise a nearly equal split between combustion and electric power. The French manufacturer had initially committed to the 2026 rules reset but opted to cease engine production, citing the immense costs and competitive challenges involved.
FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis underscored the governing body’s stance on Renault’s departure:
“We want people to stay because they want to, not because we are forceful,” Tombazis stated. “It’s a billion-dollar investment over five years, and the FIA would never constrain an OEM to that level of commitment.”
Renault’s exit leaves just five engine suppliers—Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, Red Bull Powertrains, and Audi—to power the grid from 2026 onward.
Why Alpine Chose Mercedes
For Alpine, the decision to partner with Mercedes is more than just practical—it’s strategic. The team has faced an uphill battle in recent years, struggling with a power deficit compared to rival manufacturers. Since the FIA implemented an engine freeze in 2022, Renault’s power units have fallen behind, contributing to Alpine’s slump in the standings.
Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore revealed that Alpine’s chassis also lags by three-tenths in performance, exacerbating the team’s competitive woes. The partnership with Mercedes, known for its engineering excellence, could be the key to bridging these gaps.
“The three-tenth power shortage on the chassis must be addressed alongside integrating Mercedes’ power units,” Briatore emphasized. “This partnership is an opportunity to reset.”
A Mixed 2024 Season for Alpine
Alpine’s performance during the current regulation cycle has been a rollercoaster. After a promising fourth-place finish in 2022, the team has steadily declined, dropping as low as ninth in the Constructors’ Championship in 2024. However, a surprising double podium in Brazil, fueled by wet-weather chaos, has vaulted Alpine back to sixth place in the standings.
The recent success is a morale boost, but it also underscores the inconsistency that has plagued the team. Alpine must now focus on developing a competitive 2025 package to bridge the gap before the Mercedes partnership takes effect in 2026.
2026 and Beyond: A New Era for Alpine
The switch to Mercedes power signals a fresh start for Alpine in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. The move aligns the team with one of the sport’s most dominant powertrain suppliers, offering a chance to finally challenge the likes of Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren on equal footing.
While the partnership promises to deliver significant performance gains, Alpine faces a steep learning curve in adapting its chassis and operations to the Mercedes package. Additionally, the team must ensure that the transition doesn’t detract from its 2025 development efforts, especially given Briatore’s caution about the chassis’ performance gap.
Formula 1’s Changing Powertrain Landscape
Renault’s exit highlights the financial and technical challenges of remaining competitive in Formula 1’s next era. As the sport moves toward sustainable technologies with the 2026 regulations, manufacturers must balance innovation with cost control.
For Alpine, becoming a customer team may relinquish some control, but it also eliminates the pressure of developing an in-house power unit—a trade-off that could pay dividends if the Mercedes partnership delivers.
Conclusion: A Gamble Worth Taking?
Alpine’s decision to partner with Mercedes is a bold move aimed at reversing its fortunes in Formula 1. While the transition comes with risks, the team’s recent struggles make it clear that drastic changes were needed. With Mercedes power under the hood and renewed focus on the chassis, Alpine has a real shot at clawing its way back to the front of the grid.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, the question remains: can Alpine’s gamble propel it into the upper echelons of Formula 1, or will the challenges of adaptation hold the team back? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this is a partnership that could redefine the team’s future.