The world of Formula 1 (F1) has always been one of innovation, partnerships, and high-stakes competition. In a significant shift for the 2026 F1 season, Alpine F1 Team has announced that it will use Mercedes power units and gearboxes starting in 2026.
This news comes in the wake of Alpine’s decision to halt its in-house engine production for F1, marking a strategic shift in the team’s approach to Formula 1 racing.
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A Historical Shift for Alpine and Renault
For decades, Renault, Alpine’s parent company, has been a key player in the F1 engine market. Renault engines have powered championship-winning cars and have been a staple of F1 innovation. Historically, Renault has supplied engines to other teams, such as Red Bull Racing, McLaren, and Williams, contributing to the sport’s legacy of competitive diversity. This independent engine program gave Renault a unique standing, enabling them to control a significant aspect of car performance. However, beginning in 2026, Alpine’s role in F1 will change significantly as they transition from an engine supplier to an engine customer, with Mercedes set to supply both power units and gearboxes for the team.
Renault’s decision to exit engine manufacturing is motivated by several factors, including the high costs and technological demands of developing power units that meet the upcoming F1 regulations. The choice to work with Mercedes signals a pragmatic shift, allowing Alpine to focus on its car’s chassis and aerodynamics. By using Mercedes power units and gearboxes, Alpine can leverage Mercedes’ expertise and proven performance capabilities, ensuring competitive reliability in a cost-effective manner. This shift will also allow Renault’s engineering facilities in Viry-Châtillon, France, to refocus on other automotive projects, including sustainable technology initiatives under the new Hypertech Alpine division.
Why This Decision is a Big Deal for Alpine and F1
The Alpine-Mercedes partnership represents a substantial change not only for Alpine but also for the broader F1 landscape. Alpine, historically committed to self-sufficiency in power unit development, is now set to become a customer, marking a departure from its traditional model. For F1 as a whole, it introduces another team that will depend on a competing manufacturer’s power unit, potentially altering the dynamics of customer-team relationships.
This decision also underscores the competitive and financial pressures that teams face in F1, especially as regulations evolve to prioritize sustainability and cost control. The upcoming power unit regulations for 2026 emphasize the use of 100% biofuels and increased reliance on electric power, creating significant engineering challenges. Alpine’s decision to cease in-house engine production indicates the level of investment and resources required to develop compliant power units that are both sustainable and competitive. By relying on Mercedes for this crucial component, Alpine can allocate more resources to car performance elements that align more closely with their technical expertise and aspirations.
Team Statement
BWT Alpine Formula One Team and Mercedes-Benz sign Power Unit and Gearbox agreements. pic.twitter.com/ucLBR70kK9
— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) November 12, 2024
Understanding the 2026 F1 Power Unit Regulations
The 2026 season will mark the beginning of a new era in Formula 1 with revised regulations that significantly impact engine design and functionality. These regulations aim to reduce the environmental impact of F1 cars while preserving the sport’s high-performance nature. Key aspects of the new regulations include:
- 100% Sustainable Biofuels: All internal combustion engines (ICE) used in F1 from 2026 onward must operate on 100% sustainable biofuels. This change is part of F1’s broader commitment to achieving a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030. The use of biofuels will reduce emissions from F1 cars, making the sport more environmentally friendly without compromising power.
- Increased Battery Power: The next-generation power units will rely even more on battery power. The goal is to increase the electrical energy used during races, pushing F1 cars closer to hybrid performance with a higher electric power output. This means that energy recovery systems (ERS) and hybrid technology will play an even larger role in car performance, offering a challenge and an opportunity for teams and power unit suppliers.
- Standardized Parts and Cost Control: The FIA has implemented stricter financial regulations in recent years to ensure that F1 remains competitive and sustainable. With cost caps in place, teams are more restricted in their spending, necessitating partnerships and collaborations to remain competitive. The decision by Alpine to purchase power units from Mercedes is likely influenced by these regulations, as it allows them to meet performance standards without the overhead costs of in-house engine development.
Alpine’s Strategic Focus Post-2025
With engine production shifting away from F1, Alpine’s facilities in Viry-Châtillon will take on a new purpose. This facility will pivot to the Hypertech Alpine initiative, focusing on high-performance technology, sustainable mobility, and innovations beyond F1. This realignment demonstrates Renault’s commitment to investing in future-proof technologies and aligns with the global automotive industry’s push toward sustainability.
Meanwhile, Alpine’s Enstone base in the United Kingdom will continue to focus on F1 car development, primarily on the chassis and aerodynamic components. Alpine’s management believes that by focusing on these specific aspects, they can create a competitive race car that maximizes the performance of the Mercedes power units and gearboxes. The decision to start building their own gearbox from 2027 further highlights Alpine’s ambition to strike a balance between collaboration and in-house development, allowing for greater control over specific car components.
The Dynamics of a Mercedes-Powered Alpine Team
Mercedes’ power units have set a benchmark for reliability and performance in F1, a factor that likely influenced Alpine’s choice to collaborate with them. Since 2014, Mercedes power units have been synonymous with performance and have powered Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team to multiple championships. Alpine stands to benefit from Mercedes’ technological advancements, giving them a competitive foundation.
However, Alpine is not the first team to rely on Mercedes power units, joining teams like McLaren, Aston Martin, and Williams. While customer teams often face challenges in achieving performance parity with the works team, this collaboration also means Alpine can benefit from Mercedes’ expertise without the resource burden of developing power units in-house. This relationship presents potential challenges and opportunities:
- Technology Transfer and Adaptation: Alpine will have to adapt its car design to suit the characteristics of the Mercedes power unit and gearbox, optimizing integration with the chassis to ensure peak performance. With a proven track record, the Mercedes power unit is a promising choice, but Alpine’s engineering team must fine-tune the rest of the car to capitalize on the new components fully.
- Competitive Parity with Mercedes: As a customer team, Alpine may not have access to the latest power unit updates or may receive updates later than the works Mercedes team. This potential discrepancy raises questions about Alpine’s ability to match Mercedes’ pace, though the team’s engineering expertise and strategic focus could narrow any performance gap.
- Future Gearbox Development: Alpine’s decision to transition to an in-house gearbox in 2027 is a notable aspect of this deal. While Mercedes will supply the gearbox in 2026, Alpine plans to develop their own gearbox as part of a gradual return to greater autonomy. This move suggests that Alpine wants a degree of independence and is committed to developing core components in the longer term.
