P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alpine will race with Mercedes engines from 2026, officially ending its run as a works Formula 1 power unit supplier.
Alpine will switch to Mercedes engines starting from the 2026 Formula 1 season, marking the end of its tenure as a works power unit supplier. The team, coming off a surprising double podium at Interlagos in the most recent F1 race, had long been rumored to make the move to Mercedes, with the transition now officially confirmed for the upcoming rules cycle. Alpine announced that it will utilize Mercedes gearboxes and power units from 2026 until at least 2030, maintaining focus on competitive performance in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. While this partnership is expected to be more cost-effective for Alpine than developing its own power unit, it also limits the team’s freedom in engine development and ties them to Mercedes’ engine specifications. Despite challenges faced with management changes and operational struggles, Alpine has shown improvements this season, currently sitting sixth in the constructors’ championship with three races remaining. Additionally, rumors of Alpine being sold have circulated, but the team has denied these speculations.
