Source – Racecar Engineering
Mercedes and Alpine have agreed that Alpine will operate the German manufacturer’s power unit from 2026 until at least the end of 2030.
Alpine’s journey into a new era of Formula 1 technology and partnership took a significant turn this week, as the team confirmed a multi-year agreement with Mercedes to supply power units and gearboxes starting in 2026. This deal is a pivotal component of Alpine’s ambitious ‘Hypertech’ transformation project, and it marks a strategic departure from their current engine program, which will wind down at the close of 2025. For the French team, this shift signifies a bold step toward future competitiveness, as they realign their resources and focus to remain competitive under the new power unit regulations coming in 2026.
The new regulations aim to enhance sustainability, prioritizing a higher focus on electric battery technology and the adoption of 100% sustainable fuels. This shift places fresh demands on the current engine architecture, requiring teams to integrate more advanced hybrid technology than ever before. As Alpine steps into this new landscape, their alliance with Mercedes positions them to meet these goals head-on, with a reliable power source aligned with the sport’s sustainability objectives.
Alpine’s decision to pivot to a Mercedes engine supply comes after extensive discussions with several potential partners. Mercedes emerged as the clear frontrunner, offering Alpine the advantage of a proven powertrain as they continue to chase podiums. Starting in 2026, the team will use Mercedes’ engines and gearboxes to fuel their performance, ensuring seamless integration with a top-tier power unit as they embark on this new chapter. In addition to this commitment, Alpine will also receive Mercedes gearboxes, a supply that’s expected to continue through 2026. However, sources close to the team reveal that Alpine has ambitious plans to manufacture their own gearbox in-house at their Enstone headquarters starting in 2027, hinting at a desire to maintain a high degree of engineering independence.
This power unit partnership marks a turning point for Alpine. Over the past few seasons, they have invested heavily in building their own engines, but the strategic shift to Mercedes marks a more streamlined approach that allows the team to concentrate on other critical areas of car performance. The French team has confirmed that it will continue to produce its own engines through the end of the 2025 campaign, ensuring continuity in the near term while planning for a seamless transition to Mercedes engines in 2026. According to a brief statement from the team, the multi-year arrangement with Mercedes is set to last “for the duration of the new regulations era, from 2026 until at least 2030.” This long-term commitment not only underscores Alpine’s dedication to their new technical direction but also suggests that both parties see the alliance as a foundational pillar for long-term growth and competitiveness.
Despite the upcoming changes, Alpine is not easing up on their current efforts. Their recent performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix serves as a testament to their commitment to achieving strong results in the present. In a stunning display of performance and strategy, Alpine secured a double podium finish at Interlagos, marking their best points haul of the season and vaulting them up three places to sixth in the constructors’ standings. With three races left in the 2024 season, the team is determined to close the year on a high note and continue the momentum into 2025 before the power unit switch occurs.
Alpine’s path forward will be guided by fresh leadership as well, with Oli Oakes at the helm as Team Principal. Under Oakes’ direction, the team is set on delivering a solid performance in the remaining 2024 and 2025 seasons, even as they lay the groundwork for their partnership with Mercedes. Adding to this momentum is the return of Flavio Briatore as Executive Advisor, whose experience and strategic insights are expected to provide a steady hand through this period of change.
The partnership with Mercedes and the “Hypertech” project form the backbone of Alpine’s reimagined vision for the future of Formula 1. With a powerful engine supply, a gearbox innovation plan, and new leadership, Alpine’s next chapter promises to be one filled with ambition and high-stakes competition. Fans and rivals alike will be watching closely as the team works to make this transformation a reality, all while keeping their eyes on the prize in 2024 and 2025.
