The Alpine Formula 1 team made a significant announcement on Tuesday regarding their future in the sport. The team revealed that they will be switching to Mercedes engines starting from the 2026 season. This move comes as Alpine aims to stay competitive and keep pace with their rivals in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
Previously known as Renault, the team’s parent company decided to end its works engine programme in France in September. This decision was made as part of an effort to focus on developing new power units that would comply with the F1 regulation changes set to come into effect in 2026. By partnering with Mercedes, Alpine hopes to eliminate the issues they had been facing with their Renault engines.
The deal with Mercedes is set to run until 2030 and includes a switch to Mercedes gearboxes as well. This announcement coincided with the appointment of former Renault F1 team boss Flavio Briatore as executive advisor. With these changes in place, Alpine is gearing up for a new chapter in their journey within the world of Formula 1.
While Alpine initially struggled in the early races of the season, they have shown significant improvement in recent months. This was evident when Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finished second and third, respectively, behind Max Verstappen in the rain-hit Sao Paulo Grand Prix on November 3. This strong performance helped Alpine jump from ninth to sixth in the constructors’ standings, showcasing their potential for success in the future.
Overall, Alpine’s decision to switch to Mercedes engines marks a significant turning point for the team as they strive to remain competitive in the world of Formula 1. With the support of Mercedes and the expertise of Flavio Briatore, Alpine aims to overcome their previous challenges and make a mark in the sport. Fans and enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting the team’s progress as they gear up for an exciting future in Formula 1.
