P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alpine is becoming a customer team this year, purchasing power units from Mercedes at the start of a new era for the sport.
Alpine racing director Dave Greenwood has emphasized that integrating with Mercedes for their new partnership is not as challenging as it may seem. In 2024, Alpine made the decision to discontinue its power unit program in preparation for Formula 1’s upcoming technical regulations. They struck a deal with Mercedes to supply engines to multiple teams, including McLaren and Williams. This move marks a significant shift for Renault, transitioning from a factory team to a customer team after decades of using their own engines. Greenwood reassured that the transition has been smooth, mainly due to the common goals and values shared between the teams. Despite a lackluster performance in 2025, Alpine is aiming for a stronger showing in the upcoming F1 season as they shift their focus to the 2026 campaign.
