The idea of developing a new power unit based on the 2026 regulations has been shelved, and Alpine is now aiming for a different structure, similar to Williams, Haas, and Racing Bulls. The agreement being discussed with Mercedes includes the supply of the power unit, transmission, and rear suspension, a package that the Brackley team currently provides to Williams and Aston Martin.
Initially, it was thought that the new partnership between Alpine and Mercedes would start in 2026 with the introduction of the new power unit specification, but according to information gathered in Hungary, there is also the possibility that the agreement could be brought forward by twelve months. Among the four engines currently in use in Formula 1, Alpine’s is seen as the weakest, and in this context, advancing the collaboration with Mercedes would solve one of the issues that has been complained about for years by the drivers and technicians at Enstone.
This would create a problem at the Viry-Chatillon headquarters, where the Renault engines are designed and built, but it would ultimately just be bringing forward by twelve months a decision that has already been made. Supporting this scenario is the recent exclusive agreement starting in 2026 between Audi and fuel supplier Castrol-BP, currently a partner of Alpine-Renault.
If the agreement is finalized for the 2025 Formula 1 season, it will be an additional card for Alpine to play in the ongoing negotiations with Carlos Sainz. The prospect of having a Mercedes rear end and a more competitive power unit than the one currently available to Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon is a valuable asset to present to Carlos Sainz to persuade him to join the project.
The downside for the Enstone staff will be a likely reduction in the workforce, as the team will become a customer team for the first time in its history.
Alpine has been exploring various options for power units. Red Bull had already dismissed the possibility of supplying engines to Alpine. Despite the ironic twist of Red Bull powering their former engine supplier, the team acknowledges they are not yet prepared to provide engines to other teams. Similarly, Audi, set to debut as engine manufacturers in 2026, is not an option. This narrowed down the realistic choices to three: Ferrari, Mercedes, and Honda.
Among these, Ferrari appeared to be the option Alpine was most eagerly exploring. With Sauber departing as a customer in 2026, Ferrari will have a vacancy. Maintaining a customer team in F1 offers several advantages, so Ferrari was open to a collaboration with Alpine.
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