Alpine’s 2026 F1 power unit choice: Flavio Briatore admits Ferrari was never an option. Alpine switch to Mercedes power units for the 2026 F1 season under Flavio Briatore’s guidance.

Alpine have become the latest team to join the ranks of Mercedes engine customers for the 2026 Formula 1 season, effectively replacing Aston Martin, who will now run Honda power units. The move represents a major shift in the F1 engine landscape and signals Alpine’s intent to compete more effectively in the new regulations era.

Flavio Briatore pushes Alpine towards Mercedes engines

Flavio Briatore played a pivotal role in convincing Alpine’s parent company, Renault, to close their F1 engine development facility. The decision to relinquish their works team status was controversial at the time, but Briatore argued that it could save the team significant resources while allowing them to focus on maximizing performance on track. Alpine struggled throughout the 2025 season, finishing at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship, and the move to Mercedes power units is seen as a strategic step to close the gap to leading teams like Red Bull and Ferrari.

Historical on-track data suggests that Alpine have been operating at a deficit since the introduction of the turbo-hybrid V6 era in 2014, often lagging behind rivals such as Mercedes and Ferrari in outright horsepower and efficiency. Briatore made it clear in an interview with Blick that Alpine only considered Mercedes as a supplier for their 2026 power unit. Even with the potential availability of Ferrari engines following Sauber’s switch to Audi, the Italian manager confirmed that he had no interest in partnering with the Scuderia, leaving newcomers Cadillac to take that route instead.

Briatore’s philosophy: only the best will do

According to the former Renault team boss, Alpine will no longer have excuses for underperformance. He stressed that the team wanted to engage with the best engine manufacturer available, and anything less would not meet his ambitions. The decision underscores Alpine’s determination to address the performance deficit that has plagued them for years. Flavio Briatore’s stance also comes amid ongoing speculation about his own future, particularly with potential investment talks involving Christian Horner and Alpine, which could impact Flavio Briatore’s role within the company.

Mercedes 2026 power units already impress in Barcelona

Briatore’s comments reflect broader confidence in the Mercedes 2026 engine across the Formula 1 paddock. Despite making the decision 18 months before the regulatory changes took effect, he appeared certain that Mercedes represented the optimal choice. Early evidence from the first 2026 testing session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo supports this view. While Red Bull Powertrains and Honda have faced challenges adapting to the new rules, Mercedes’ engine reliability and performance have set the benchmark for the season.

Although Ferrari, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc pushing the SF-26, performed strongly during testing, Mercedes appears more advanced in terms of power unit performance and operational readiness. The combination of superior engine efficiency and robust reliability gives Mercedes-powered teams a notable advantage, especially at circuits where power output is critical. Meanwhile, Red Bull Powertrains impressed for a debut effort, but Mercedes’ dominance was largely expected given their technical expertise and experience under the new regulations.

Regulatory scrutiny and potential mid-season risks

Mercedes’ 2026 power unit has drawn attention from rival teams, with some suggesting that the Silver Arrows may be exploiting a loophole in the fuel regulations. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has insisted that the engines fully comply with FIA rules, but any mid-season clampdown could affect not only Mercedes but also their customer teams, McLaren, Williams, and Alpine. This adds an extra layer of pressure for Flavio Briatore’s Alpine squad, who will be relying on Mercedes engines to improve their competitiveness after years of underwhelming performance.

Overall, the switch to Mercedes engines signals a bold strategic gamble for Alpine, aiming to transform the team from backmarkers to serious midfield or even front-running contenders. With Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc continuing to push Ferrari to the limit, and Red Bull’s ongoing development, Alpine will need every advantage from their new Mercedes power unit to remain competitive in the opening races of the 2026 Formula 1 season.