Alpine to Power 2026 F1 Cars with Mercedes Engines, But No Guarantees on Performance
Alpine is set to use Mercedes engines from 2026, ending its long-standing relationship with Renault. Despite paddock rumors hinting at Mercedes' potential dominance with the new power unit, Alpine's Managing Director Steve Nielsen cautions against high expectations, stating that past successes, like Mercedes' 2014 engine advantage, do not guarantee a repeat performance in the upcoming regulatory cycle. The true pecking order will only be revealed once the cars hit the track.
Alpine will switch to Mercedes power units for their 2026 Formula 1 cars, ending decades of partnership with Renault engines. While industry rumors suggest Mercedes' new power unit could be a class leader, Alpine's Managing Director Steve Nielsen is tempering expectations, emphasizing that past success doesn't guarantee future dominance.
Why it matters:
- This strategic engine switch marks a significant shift for Alpine, moving away from its long-standing in-house engine development at Renault's Viry-Châtillon facility, which has supplied F1 power units since the 1970s.
- The decision to become a Mercedes customer signals Alpine's intent to gain a competitive edge, hoping to capitalize on Mercedes' strong track record during previous regulation changes.
The Details:
- Engine Supplier Change: Alpine announced last year they would abandon their Renault engines and become a Mercedes customer from the next major rules overhaul in 2026.
- Reasons for the Switch: Sporting director Steve Nielsen acknowledged the