Following months of speculation, Alpine have confirmed they will part ways with Renault engines. Starting in 2026, the French outfit will become a customer team – almost certainly using Mercedes power. In the background, Ferrari team principal Fred Vassuer has used this shift to strengthen Ferrari’s engine department.
Ferrari recruit from Renault engine department ahead of 2026 regulations
Several reasons contributed to Alpine’s decision to move away from Renault power. However, financial considerations were by far the most significant.
The Enstone-based operation is no longer willing to invest the necessary funds to sustain an engine programme. Therefore, taking power units from another team is seen as the more financially sensible option.
Despite this, Renault’s engine department with Viry was working diligently on their 2026 engine until last week. It is even understood that Renault’s employees were exceeding the targets set for their engine development.
In short, performance was not the primary cause of Alpine’s choice. This is relevant for rival teams on the grid, who will be eager to bolster their own technical squads with engineers from Renault.
Vasseur signs multiple engineers from Renault
In a recent interview with l’equipe, it was confirmed that Ferrari have already reached agreements with former Renault personnel.
Team principal Fred Vasseur even managed to sign these engineers without gardening leave – meaning they can join the factory in Maranello relatively soon.
Not only will these technicians and engineers increase the size of Ferrari’s workforce, but they can also provide valuable insights about their 2026 engine. After all, the Renault power unit could have included solutions and ideas that Ferrari had not yet considered.
Regardless of how significant these acquisitions are, it is clear that Alpine’s loss will be the gain of other teams.
Historically, a lack of financial commitment is what limited the French team’s success. Former team principal Otmar Szafnauer has previously revealed that Alpine were spending tens of millions below the budget cap when he was appointed.
With this in mind, especially in the context of Audi joining as a new manufacturer, there will be plenty of activity triggered from Renault’s F1 departure.
