A new era for Alpine: Official partnership with Mercedes for the 2026 F1 season – Alpine, formerly known as Renault F1 the historic French Formula One team, has taken a major step towards securing its future in the sport by formalising a partnership with Mercedes to supply engines and gearboxes from 2026.
The announcement, which comes after months of speculation, confirms that Alpine will no longer produce its own power units and will instead become a Mercedes customer team, heralding a new phase for the blue and white cars on the grid. The collaboration is designed to address Alpine’s performance challenges while adapting to the evolving financial and competitive landscape in F1.
The end of an era: Alpine’s move away from Renault Power Units
Renault, Alpine’s parent company, has been a mainstay of Formula 1 engine production for decades. However, as part of the new 2026 regulations, Renault has decided to withdraw from the production of F1 power units, marking a significant change.
This is a blow to the FIA and FOM (Liberty Media) who see another manufacturer not take on the new 2026 engine regs, notably Porsche.
Alpine, previously powered by Renault engines built at the historic Viry-Châtillon facility in France, has suffered performance setbacks in recent years, with its power units consistently lagging behind the competition in F1’s hybrid era. The partnership with Mercedes is a strategic decision that will allow Alpine to remain competitive in the sport without the financial burden of producing its own engines.
The announcement follows a statement made in early July by former Alpine team principal Bruno Famin, who revealed Renault’s intention to cease production of F1 power units. The move, Famin explained, would allow Alpine to focus its resources on other motorsport ventures such as the Dakar Rally, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Formula E and Alpine’s road car programme.
However, the decision has not been universally welcomed, with concerns over job security and the dilution of the team’s French identity provoking controversy among staff and fans alike.
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Cost-cutting strategy: The financial impact of the partnership
The move to a customer team arrangement with Mercedes represents a significant cost reduction for Alpine. Manufacturing F1 power units is an expensive proposition, with estimates suggesting that Alpine’s Viry facility was spending around $120 million a year on engine development.
By sourcing engines and gearboxes from Mercedes, Alpine will reduce this cost to just $17 million per year, a staggering 85% reduction in expenditure. For Alpine, these savings provide the flexibility to invest more in other critical areas, such as aerodynamic development and car performance improvements, which are essential in the highly competitive world of Formula One.
Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s Executive Advisor, emphasised the financial rationale behind the decision, stating that the underperformance of the Viry engines left the team with little choice.
“The problem is the evidence,” said Briatore, acknowledging that Alpine’s power units have routinely underperformed since the start of F1’s hybrid era in 2014, reportedly lagging behind the competition by around 20 hp. He insisted that the decision had been taken by Renault’s senior management prior to his arrival at the team, and that he was merely supporting the direction set by the company.
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Employee concerns and backlash: preserving Alpine’s legacy
While the cost-saving benefits of the partnership are clear, the decision to end power unit production at Viry has not been universally welcomed, particularly by Alpine’s workforce. The Social and Economic Council of Alpine Employees has issued a strong response at the time when the idea was first put forward last summer, expressing its disappointment at Renault’s decision to “kill this elite unit” and “betray” Viry-Châtillon’s historic legacy in F1.
For many within the team, the Viry engines were more than just machines; they were a unique part of the team’s DNA, an embodiment of French engineering and motorsport heritage.
The Council’s statement echoes the sentiments of fans and motorsport historians alike, who see the decision as a significant departure from Alpine’s roots. By adopting a Mercedes engine, some fear that Alpine could lose its distinct identity and become just another extension of the Mercedes racing empire. This concern underlines the wider tension between maintaining a unique team identity and adapting to the demands of a rapidly evolving, cost-driven Formula One landscape.
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Briatore’s defence: “I’m not the bad guy this time”
Known for his polarising presence in Formula One, Flavio Briatore has often courted controversy, most notably in the infamous ‘Crashgate’ scandal that rocked the sport in 2008. However, Briatore was quick to clarify his role in the decision to move away from the production of F1 power units at Viry.
“It was decided just before I arrived at the team,” he said. Briatore insisted that he was merely following the vision outlined by Renault’s top executives, and distanced himself from the decision to end Viry’s involvement in F1.
Despite his protests, Briatore’s influence within the team remains undeniable. Alpine’s new team principal, Oliver Oakes, recently referred to Briatore’s role as the “Flavio Tornado”, suggesting that his presence could signal significant structural changes within the organisation.
Briatore and Oakes are reportedly exploring possible staffing changes to streamline the team’s operations and improve efficiency. However, Briatore has assured staff that job cuts are not imminent, stressing that the aim is to create a more cohesive and effective team environment.
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Mercedes partnership: What it means for Alpine’s future
The partnership with Mercedes, a dominant force in Formula One’s hybrid era, represents a valuable opportunity for Alpine to improve its on-track performance. Mercedes engines have powered numerous championships, and the prospect of Alpine leveraging Mercedes’ expertise in powertrain technology and transmission integration is promising. This arrangement, which will last until at least 2030, will provide Alpine with a level of consistency and reliability that has been lacking in recent years.
Alpine’s decision to switch to Mercedes engines is in line with a wider industry trend towards partnerships with customer teams, as rising costs and advanced technical requirements make it increasingly difficult for teams to maintain in-house power unit production.
With the introduction of new regulations in 2026, Alpine aims to be at the forefront with a competitive, cost-effective engine package, putting them in a stronger position to compete for podiums and potentially championships.
Looking ahead: Alpine’s performance targets for 2025
Despite the long-term changes planned for 2026, Alpine remains focused on the upcoming 2025 season. The team has set ambitious goals for both years, aiming to maximise performance within the constraints of the current power unit. Alpine’s commitment to short-term success demonstrates the team’s resilience and determination to compete at the highest level, even during a period of transition.
In preparation for its new partnership with Mercedes, Alpine is expected to prioritise aerodynamic and chassis development over the next two seasons, using any cost savings to improve the overall performance of its car. Alpine’s management hopes that these interim measures will lay the groundwork for a seamless transition to Mercedes power in 2026, allowing the team to hit the ground running when the new regulations come into force.
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A new chapter in Alpine’s Formula 1 journey
Alpine’s decision to partner with Mercedes for engines and gearboxes marks a transformational moment for the team as it seeks to balance financial sustainability with its competitive ambitions in Formula One. While the move away from Viry’s in-house power units has sparked controversy and concern over the loss of the team’s French heritage, the partnership with Mercedes offers a viable way forward to ensure Alpine remains a formidable presence on the F1 grid.
As Alpine prepares for this new chapter, the team faces both challenges and opportunities. For the staff and fans who cherish Viry-Châtillon’s legacy, the transition may mark the end of an era. However, with a Mercedes engine behind them and an evolving strategy for success, Alpine is positioning itself to take on the F1 grid with renewed vigour and competitive edge, aiming to carve out a new identity within the sport.
Only time will tell if this bold move will pay off, but one thing is certain: Alpine is ready to embrace the future of Formula 1, powered by a Mercedes heart.
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