Alpine will no longer be powered by Renault engines in 2026, opting to pursue a new direction for the new regulations. The French outfit will forfeit its manufacturer status and become a customer team as part of a large-scale restructuring. Mercedes are considered Alpine’s preferred option to power their F1 machines in the future.
A new era for Alpine
Instability has characterised Alpine’s history in Formula 1, and today marks yet another significant change at Enstone.
As previously reported by LWOS and other outlets, Bruno Famin will step down from his role as team principal.
It was roughly twelve months ago that Famin was appointed as an interim team principal – replacing the outgoing Otmar Szafnauer.
After failing to convince their other targets to lead the team, Alpine opted to keep the 62-year-old in charge.
However, since Flavio Briatore was assigned the role of Executive advisor, it became clear the Frenchman was no longer steering the ship at Enstone.
New engine, new approach
To accompany a new driver line-up next season, another key shift is taking place at Alpine in 2025.
Next season will be their last campaign with Renault engines.
After decades in Formula 1, including Championship-winning seasons as a team (2005-2006) and engine supplier (2010-13 with Red Bull), Renault are leaving the sport.
The decision has been taken that – despite the inherent advantage that comes with being an engine manufacturer – Alpine should change its approach.
To cut costs and begin a reorganisation of the team, Alpine will use a new power unit starting in 2026.
With Renault unwilling to invest in improving their works’ programme, they have chosen to cut their losses and outsource this aspect of development.
Mercedes are the front-runners to secure an engine deal with the Enstone-based team. However, negotiations with different manufacturers are still ongoing.
In theory, the success achieved by McLaren as a customer team proves there are multiple paths to success in F1.
That said, even the Woking-based team would concede that Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull (via their exclusive deal with Honda) have benefited from controlling all aspects of their development.
Rarely do Formula 1 teams surrender control of their engine programme.
Clearly, Alpine have opted for a radical change in direction to change their fortunes. More sceptical observers might suggest this is the first step in Renault’s withdrawal from F1.
However, this perspective is purely speculative. The only certainty at this stage is that Alpine are willing to flip the script to find the winning formula.
