Alpine has confirmed it will become a Mercedes customer from the new power unit regulations in 2026, following the closure of its own Formula 1 engine department.
The French constructor announced earlier this year that it would be redistributing resources and personnel at its Viry-Chatillon factory, and will no longer be producing a power unit for the new F1 technical regulations starting in 2026. As a result of that, Alpine will become a customer team, using Mercedes power units and gearboxes when the current era comes to an end.
“BWT Alpine Formula One Team, Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, and Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix have entered into Power Unit and Gearbox Agreements from the start of the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship,” an Alpine statement read.
‘Team Enstone’ last ran with Mercedes engines in 2015 when it was in its Lotus guise. Steven Tee/Motorsport Images
“The multi-year agreement will see Mercedes-Benz supply BWT Alpine Formula One Team with power units for the duration of the new regulation era, from 2026 until at least 2030. Alongside the power unit, BWT Alpine Formula One Team will also be supplied with Mercedes gearboxes from the 2026 season.
“The team remains focused on performing in the strongest way possible in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.”
The decision to close the Alpine power unit department resulted in protests from some employees, including at this year’s Italian Grand Prix, with it marking the first time the Renault Group won’t have produced engines used in F1 since 1989.
Mercedes currently supplies constructors’ championship leader McLaren, as well as Williams and Aston Martin, although it will have the capacity to add a new customer in 2026 when Aston Martin switches to Honda.
