Teams switching engine suppliers will be able to request the use of previous power units from their manufacturer, allowing them to conduct tests with older cars. Alpine, which currently runs the six-cylinder Renault unit, could offer a testing service, attracting interest from Aston Martin and Audi. Red Bull and Racing Bulls will still be able to rely on the Honda power unit, as part of the agreement linked to Yuki Tsunoda’s contract renewal.
Formula 1 has an ever-growing hunger for mileage. Regulatory limits have drastically reduced opportunities for on-track testing, and in the next two seasons, some teams will face even stricter constraints.
These are the teams that, with the introduction of the new power unit cycle in 2026, will change engine suppliers — namely Aston Martin, Red Bull, Racing Bulls, and Audi, which will debut as a full works team. Switching to a new supplier complicates the use of ‘previous cars’ (cars from earlier seasons), as they are fitted with a power unit from a different manufacturer.
The FIA has now authorized the teams involved to use power units from their previous suppliers during TPC tests. A new article in the sporting regulations obliges former engine manufacturers, upon request, to provide their units.
However, the Federation has not set a cost cap, a loophole that has caused prices to rise to levels considered “prohibitive.” This poses a challenge for the teams, especially when contracts with junior drivers include dedicated TPC test days. A solution, though, may emerge shortly.
Each team is allowed a maximum of 20 TPC days per season, and only a portion (up to 1,000 kilometers spread over a maximum of four days) can be used by the main drivers. Alpine will find itself in a privileged position compared to other teams switching suppliers.
In 2026, Alpine will switch to Mercedes power units, but the current Alpine engines — which will complete their lifecycle this weekend — will remain available for the team’s TPC testing. This allows Alpine to run its junior drivers while also offering a number of paid test days to other teams, an opportunity likely to interest Aston Martin and Audi.
The situation is different for Red Bull and Racing Bulls, who until recently were in a standstill. With the debut of their in-house power units approaching, the two teams explored alternative solutions, and in recent hours a breakthrough has been reached.
During negotiations with Honda concerning Yuki Tsunoda’s future, the supply of power units for 2026 and 2027 TPC tests was also discussed, reaching a preliminary agreement. The Japanese manufacturer, which will officially return next season supplying Aston Martin, will continue to support the revision of current engines over the next two years.
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