The motorsport community is buzzing with speculation that Alpine might be swapping out their Renault engines for Mercedes ones by the 2026 Formula 1 season.
This week, rumors swirled that Renault, Alpine’s parent company, is considering pulling the plug on its engine project. The shift would be in favor of a power unit supply deal, aligning with the new regulations slated for introduction in 2026. Fueling these whispers of change, former Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer previously highlighted the power disparity, admitting that Renault’s engines have been underperforming compared to those from Mercedes, Ferrari, and Honda.
Rekindling their old ties, Alpine, currently ranked eighth in the Constructors’ standings with a mere five points from their first nine races this season, might once again embrace Mercedes power units. This wouldn’t be unprecedented. Back in 2015, as the Lotus team, they raced with Mercedes customer engines. This strategic pivot is primarily because Mercedes is already forecasted to shine under the new regulations, potentially giving Alpine an edge.
Amidst the swirling rumors, Alpine made headlines with the return of the controversial former team boss, Flavio Briatore. Previously leading the team to glory with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, Briatore returns as an executive advisor. This move indicates Alpine’s intent to recalibrate and strengthen their project for future challenges.
Meanwhile, Toto Wolff, speaking at a press conference alongside Alpine’s team principal Bruno Famin, clarified Mercedes’ stance. Despite ongoing chatter, Wolff stated, “Alpine needs to take their decisions, and we are on the outside of that.” He emphasized that Bruno, Flavio, and Renault CEO Luca de Meo are spearheading the assessment of Alpine’s 2026 plans.
Many are curious about the progress of Renault’s engine operations at the two facilities working on their F1 project. The chassis is crafted at Enstone, while the engine magic happens in Viry-Chatillon, Paris. Addressing concerns, Famin voiced his confidence, noting the team’s optimism to meet their ambitious targets. He acknowledged the challenges of such a complex venture but reiterated the dedication of the team in Viry and dismissed engine project discontinuation rumors as just hearsay.
When probed about the possibility of adopting Mercedes engines, Famin focused on Alpine’s current goals. “We are focused on developing the car’s performance and improving the team,” he commented, signaling the team’s steadfast commitment to their 2026 plans and the impending Car 2.0 evolution.
Currently, Mercedes supplies engines to McLaren, Aston Martin, and Williams for the 2024 grid. In contrast, Renault has had no client team since parting ways with McLaren in 2020. This backdrop further elevates the implications of a potential Alpine-Mercedes partnership and the broader impact on the F1 scene.
While the rumors of Alpine shifting to Mercedes engines are tantalizing, both parties seem to be keeping their cards close to their chests for now. As the 2026 season approaches, the motorsport world will eagerly watch how this potential shake-up unfolds.
