Alpine F1 team to switch to Mercedes engines from 2026
LONDON: In a strategic move to stay competitive in Formula 1’s evolving landscape, Renault’s Alpine team announced on Tuesday that they will switch to Mercedes engines and gearboxes starting in the 2026 season. The power unit agreement, set to run through at least 2030, marks a significant shift for Alpine, who have been the sole team using Renault power units on the grid. Known for their rich history with Renault engines, Alpine’s legacy includes back-to-back championships in 2005 and 2006 and a constructors’ title in 1995 as Benetton.
The decision follows Renault’s choice in September to halt engine production at their Viry-Chatillon factory outside Paris after 2025, the final season under the current regulations. By joining Mercedes’ roster of customer teams—which includes McLaren, Williams, and Mercedes’ factory team—Alpine aims to enhance its competitiveness with one of the sport’s most reliable and powerful engines.
Alpine had been anticipated to take on Honda engines, as Aston Martin will move from Mercedes to Honda in 2026. However, Renault’s chief executive Luca de Meo cited cost efficiencies as a key factor in opting for Mercedes, highlighting that producing engines in-house costs up to 250 million euros annually, while buying in would cost less than $20 million.
This partnership reflects Alpine’s commitment to optimizing performance as Formula 1’s regulations shift, potentially positioning them closer to the front of the grid in coming seasons.(Reuters)
