Alpine will switch to Mercedes engines from 2026. The French racing team has been producing its own powertrain through parent company Renault for many years. However, to save costs, Alpine will become a customer team. The factory in Viry-Châtillon will be converted into a ‘technical hub’ for street car technology. Advisor Flavio Briatore explains that this does not diminish the status of the team.
“The French want to win, and that simply isn’t possible with our own engine,” Briatore told the German Auto, Motor und Sport. “If we want to win, something has to change in the areas where we are not competitive. The switch to Mercedes engines simply means one less worry for Alpine. Now we can fully focus on developing the car.” Renault has struggled to produce a competitive power source since the beginning of the so-called hybrid era.
Furthermore, Briatore argues that the past season has proven that no one cares about which engine is in the back of the car. “McLaren becomes world champion with a Mercedes engine,” the Italian explained. “How often have you read or heard that McLaren-Mercedes has become world champion? Never. Haas is just Haas, not Haas-Ferrari, right?
Alpine on Sale?
Given that Alpine has ceased the production of Formula 1 engines and Briatore has been repeatedly asked to cut costs, there has been much speculation about the future of the team. Multiple sources reported last year that Renault wanted to sell the team. Briatore finds these rumors confusing. “I don’t understand all these speculations,” he responded. “Ever since I’ve been working at Renault, these questions have been asked. When we won the world title in 2005 and 2006, people were also curious if we wanted to stay in Formula 1.”
“To be honest, Renault has always given me the right resources for this job,” he assured. Briatore explained that the French racing stable has to be very careful with every penny, but that has never hindered the team. “They appreciate that I handle their money carefully. I believe in efficiency. That’s why I’m now saving money on everything that doesn’t make my car faster. I’m not concerned with what I’ll do in five, ten, or twenty years. I decide what’s important now.”
