For several months now, reports have circulated about a potential Alpine switch to Mercedes engines in 2026. In one of many surprises this year, the French outfit could give up their status as an engine manufacturer. Whilst most indications point to a move away from Renault engines, CEO Luca de Meo insists that a decision still hasn’t been made.
Alpine yet to commit to 2026 power unit, though Mercedes are seen as a viable alternative to Renault
Alpine consider a big change
For several years now, one of Alpine’s biggest weaknesses has been their engine. A lack of investment in the necessary infrastructure and personnel to reach the top have been a limiting factor.
As Alpine navigate another series of managerial changes, a bold new direction is being considered for 2026.
Considering the expense required to maintain an engine programme, the Enstone-based squad could become a customer team and buy their engines from Mercedes.
Although there are inherent advantages to being an engine manufacturer (as evidenced by the steps taken by Red Bull, Aston Martin and Sauber), Alpine are seriously considering cutting their losses and disregarding Renault’s engines.
In response to this possibility, Renault CEO Luca de Meo admits there is no final decision yet:
“We have four or five weeks to define the situation in the board,” it.motorsport.com quotes him as saying.
“We are analyzing how to approach F1 from 2026 to be more competitive, and we are evaluating every opportunity.
“The idea of switching to Mercedes engines is on the table, but I can assure you that there was no choice…
“So many other factors come into play that will lead to a decision. What does marketing think? What would be the negative consequences of this choice in the face of enormous financial savings…
“The ambition is to build a competitive project. And the choices, therefore, include many factors that must be evaluated with great care.”
Doubts emerge about Alpine’s project
After years of setting ambitious targets and objectives, Alpine find themselves in a very underwhelming position. They have failed to establish themselves as front-runners, instead being relegated to the lower midfield.
Other teams like McLaren, who were at Alpine’s performance just two years ago, have made tremendous progress. The British team’s success only magnifies the deficiencies at Enstone.
With the 2026 regulations approaching, Alpine are the only undecided team about their power units.
Whether Alpine change to Mercedes engines or commits to their own engine programme could be very telling about their F1 ambitions.
