Alpine F1 to Partner with Mercedes for Engine Supply from 2026
In a significant shift for the French Formula One team, Alpine F1 has announced that it will begin using Mercedes engines in 2026, following the decision to discontinue its power unit development program earlier this year. The multi-year deal, which will run at least until 2030, marks a new chapter in Alpine’s F1 journey as the team moves away from its traditional Renault engines and enters into a fresh collaboration with one of the most successful engine manufacturers in Formula One history.
A New Era for Alpine F1
The announcement comes after months of speculation about the future of Alpine’s power unit program. The French team has long used Renault engines in its Formula One cars, with the Viry-Chatillon engine production facility outside Paris serving as the heart of its engine development operations. However, Alpine has now opted to sign a partnership with Mercedes-Benz, which will supply both power units and gearboxes starting in 2026, when the new engine and chassis regulations come into effect.
Alpine’s decision to move to Mercedes is expected to give the team a significant boost in performance, as Mercedes has been a dominant force in Formula One since the hybrid engine regulations were introduced in 2014. The team, led by Toto Wolff, has enjoyed numerous championships, both in the drivers’ and constructors’ standings, thanks to the powerful and reliable engines supplied to their team, as well as to McLaren, Williams, and Aston Martin, all of whom are also on Mercedes power.
The Shift Away from Renault Engines
Renault’s exit from Alpine’s F1 engine program is a major turning point. In August 2024, the company confirmed it would wind down the development and production of its power units for Formula One. The move has caused a stir among employees at Renault’s Viry-Chatillon facility, where over 300 staff work on engine production. Some employees voiced strong opposition to the change, accusing Renault management of compromising the legacy of the Viry-Chatillon factory by opting for Mercedes engines.
A statement from the works council at Renault shared publicly in August criticized the decision, saying, “We fail to understand what justifies dismantling the elite entity that is the Viry-Chatillon factory and betraying its legacy and DNA by implanting a Mercedes heart into our Alpine F1.” Despite these internal protests, Alpine has remained firm in its decision, citing the opportunity for cost reduction and a renewed focus on innovation as reasons for the switch.
The Future of Viry-Chatillon and Alpine’s Innovation Strategy
Despite the end of Alpine’s engine development program, the Viry-Chatillon facility will not be left idle. Alpine CEO Philippe Krief confirmed that the site will be restructured as a “Hypertech” centre of engineering, which will focus on maintaining the knowledge and skills within the team and continuing to contribute to the broader innovation strategy of the Alpine Group. The facility will also house an “F1 monitoring unit,” designed to keep Alpine at the forefront of technological advancements and support future projects.
Krief emphasized that the racing DNA of Alpine remains intact. “Creating this Hypertech Alpine centre is key to Alpine’s development strategy and, more broadly, to the Group’s innovation strategy,” he said in a statement. “It is a turning point in the history of the Viry-Chatillon site, which will ensure the continuity of a savoir-faire and the inclusion of its rare skills in the Group’s ambitious future while strengthening Alpine’s position as an ‘innovation garage.’”
The decision to rebrand the facility and focus on engineering innovation reflects Alpine’s desire to continue pushing boundaries in technology and performance, even as they move away from their traditional engine program.
What This Means for Alpine’s Performance
The decision to switch to Mercedes engines in 2026 is not just a technical move; it’s a strategic one. Alpine has been competitive in recent seasons, but it has not been able to challenge for podiums consistently or mount a serious title challenge. By securing a partnership with Mercedes, they are hoping to benefit from the proven power and reliability that Mercedes engines bring to the table.
This switch also brings Alpine in line with other top teams, including McLaren, Aston Martin, and Williams, all of which will be powered by Mercedes engines in the coming years. Mercedes engines have been the backbone of many successful F1 teams, and Alpine hopes that their new partnership will accelerate their growth and help them become a serious contender for both race wins and championship titles.
Looking Ahead
As Alpine prepares for the switch to Mercedes engines, the team is undergoing a period of transformation. While the loss of their power unit program marks the end of an era, it also signals a new beginning for the French outfit. The partnership with Mercedes offers the promise of enhanced performance, more consistent results, and a more competitive future in Formula One.
With the new regulations coming into play in 2026, the landscape of F1 is set for change, and Alpine will look to position itself at the forefront of that transformation. As the team continues to develop its chassis and strengthen its relationship with Mercedes, fans will be watching closely to see if this bold move can propel Alpine back to the front of the grid.
