Alpine Formula 1 has officially announced its partnership with Mercedes for the supply of power units and gearboxes from the 2026 season onwards. This marks a significant shift in the team’s strategy, as it moves away from its current engine program developed at Renault’s Viry-Chatillon facility, which had been working on new power units for the upcoming 2026 regulations overhaul.
The decision follows Renault’s formal commitment in late September to exit its works engine programme, with Alpine’s parent company opting to become a customer team instead. The move was widely anticipated, given the involvement of Renault CEO Luca de Meo and his advisor, Flavio Briatore, in securing the deal with Mercedes.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Alpine confirmed that it had entered into multi-year agreements with Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains and Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix. The deal will see Alpine receive Mercedes power units and gearboxes from the start of the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship. The agreement, which runs at least until 2030, will also see Alpine benefit from the integration of Mercedes gearboxes, which will help streamline the installation of Mercedes power units into the team’s chassis.
The team remains focused on achieving strong results in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with Alpine recently making a notable leap in the constructors’ championship following a surprise double podium finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Alpine climbed from ninth to sixth, improving its position despite a challenging 2024 campaign for drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon.
Looking ahead, Alpine is also exploring the possibility of reviving its own gearbox production starting in 2027 as part of a broader restructuring initiative under new management. Aston Martin will switch to Honda power units in 2026, and the team will take over the gearbox supply chain.
Alpine’s new partnership with Mercedes further strengthens the German manufacturer’s presence in Formula 1, as McLaren and Williams will also continue to use Mercedes power units in the new era. With four teams, including Mercedes’ own works squad, relying on engines from Mercedes’ Brixworth plant, it solidifies the company’s position as one of the dominant engine suppliers in the sport.
Alpine’s internal restructuring is already underway. Team principal Oliver Oakes emphasized that while there will be no drastic changes to the team before the end of 2024, significant developments are expected ahead of the 2025 season and the 2026 regulatory reset. Briatore added that the team has been undergoing a significant overhaul, preparing for a stronger performance in the coming years.
“This year, we’ve made a lot of progress, and we will continue to evolve,” Briatore told Sky Italia. “We have taken important steps that will not hinder the 2025 project, and the focus is now clearly on the future, as we look to strengthen the team for 2026.”
Oakes echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of patience and trust-building within the team as they prepare for the challenges ahead. “The real journey will unfold as we move into the next phases,” he said. “With the support of Luca and Flavio, we are confident that we can make the right steps forward.”
With its new engine partnership and plans for continued internal improvement, Alpine is setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in Formula 1, beginning with the 2026 season.
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