There is plenty of positive coverage surrounding Mercedes, having claimed consecutive victories in Austria and Britain. However, the upward trajectory of the W15 is not the only noteworthy news coming from Brackley. Alpine are actively considering alternatives to the Renault engine ahead of the new 2026 regulations. Toto Wolff says Mercedes are open to striking an engine deal with Alpine.
Alpine think about abandoning Renault engines
Alpine are a team that commonly experiences spells of instability and uncertainty. The last six months have been no different, with several senior personnel (including Esteban Ocon and Matt Harman) choosing to leave the team.
Arguably, the biggest change has been the arrival of Flavio Briatore, recently appointed as the team’s Executive Advisor.
After several years of stagnation and regression, Renault CEO Luca de Meo decided to take a risk and sign Briatore. The 74-year-old has been given the freedom to make big decisions about the Enstone team’s future.
His presence at Alpine is seen as significant throughout the paddock. Carlos Sainz, previously tipped for a move to Williams, has abruptly U-turned from his comments at the Spanish GP – when he said that a decision on his future was imminent.
It is understood that Alpine’s new complexion under Briatore is why the Spaniard’s negotiations with other midfield teams have stalled. More specifically, the prospect of the French squad competing with Mercedes engines is intriguing.
For many, seeing a team voluntarily giving up its manufacturer status to become a customer is not a positive omen. However, more forgiving interpretations might look upon this change more optimistically.
Mercedes are widely expected to be front-runners when the 2026 regulations arrive. The team’s factory in Brixworth has consistently produced exceptionally powerful and reliable engines.
Considering how important power units will be in 2026, some would argue that Alpine can benefit from using an engine that has historically outperformed Renault.
Toto Wolff: Mercedes open to supplying Alpine
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is open to supplying Bruno Famin’s squad.
With Aston Martin leaving Mercedes to work with Honda Power in 2026, there is a gap for his team to fill:
“It’s a complicated situation. We like the thought of replacing Aston Martin with another team because of the sheer learning you’re doing,” RaceFans quotes him as saying.
“I think we’re set up as an organisation that, the more power units, the better it is – in terms of accelerating some of the developments or the reliability…
“I think Alpine would take a decision. Do they want to continue with their Formula 1 engine programme or not?
“And only when they have taken that strategic decision, we would dive into our agreements. But we’re open-minded, and that’s what we have told them.”
These statements certainly indicate that an agreement is reachable. As Wolff explains, there have already been preliminary talks in recent weeks.
Ultimately, time will tell if Alpine commit to a path which – in the eyes of many – would be an admission they do not believe can win in F1 as a manufacturer.
