Alpine Confident in Smooth Mercedes Transition for 2026 F1 Era

Alpine is set to become a Mercedes customer team in 2026, ending its decades-long run as a works outfit with Renault power units. Racing Director Dave Greenwood has downplayed the significance of this major operational shift, insisting the integration with Mercedes will be "fairly easy" as the team prepares for the new era of F1 regulations.

Why it matters:

• This move marks a fundamental strategic retreat for Alpine and its parent company, Renault, who have supplied their own team since the early 1980s.
• The decision to abandon its costly power unit program highlights the immense financial and technical challenges of the 2026 regulations, forcing the team to focus its resources solely on chassis development.
• Alpine's future competitiveness is now directly tied to the quality and reliability of the Mercedes power unit, shifting the onus of success away from its own in-house engine division.

The details:

• Greenwood downplayed the integration challenge, stating the main hurdle is adapting to the new engine architecture, not working with new personnel. "In terms of working with the people, it’s a fairly normal thing for us," he explained.
• The transition follows a dismal 2024 season where Alpine finished last in the constructors' championship after shifting its development focus early to the 2026 car.
• Alpine will join a highly competitive group of Mercedes-powered teams, including the works squad, reigning champions McLaren, and a resurgent Williams.

What's next:

• The primary objective for the Enstone-based team is to leverage the Mercedes power unit to climb back through the midfield and become a regular points contender.
• The success of this new customer relationship will hinge on the team's ability to design a chassis that can perfectly harness the Mercedes power, making the 2026 car a critical make-or-break moment for the team's leadership and direction.