Alpine F1 will switch to Mercedes engines in 2026, marking a significant and controversial shift for the team.
After several weeks of rumors and behind-the-scenes dealings, Alpine F1 appears to have decided to become a customer team by 2026. The team will therefore cease manufacturing its Renault engines at the historic Viry-Châtillon site.
This will end 24 seasons of Renault’s official presence as a Formula 1 engine manufacturer, since the brand had left the premier class between 1998 and 2001 to take on the names Mécachrome, Playlife, and Supertec for three seasons, supplying Benetton and Arrows.
Almost to the day after comments from Luca de Meo, CEO of the Renault Group, who aimed to make Alpine a “French Ferrari,” the decision puts a serious halt to these ambitions as the structure will become a mere customer team in 2026.
According to several consistent sources, some of which have confirmed an imminent decision in this regard, Alpine will use Mercedes engines in 2026, the year new engine regulations come into effect.
To reduce development costs, it might also adopt the suspensions and gearbox from the Brackley team. This decision is clearly motivated by a desire to cut costs while seeking better performance, following struggles with the French V6 hybrid since the start of Formula 1’s electrified era.
The agreement between Alpine and Mercedes is not yet formal, but employees have been informed of this project by the management of Alpine and Renault, indicating that this is indeed the direction the team is taking.
This means the abandonment of the new-generation engine project, which was certainly underway, as is the case with other engine manufacturers. There will therefore be only five engine suppliers in Formula 1 from 2026.
This casts a shadow over the future of the Viry-Châtillon site, where the Renault group also develops Formula E electric engines for Nissan. However, it is feared that this decision may ultimately spell the end for this historic automotive competition site in France.
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Alpine F1 to Adopt Mercedes Engines by 2026 Alpine F1 to Adopt Mercedes Engines by 2026
