P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes engine powered by up F1 rival as new era begins
Alpine has successfully fired up its F1 power unit for the 2026 season, marking the beginning of a new era for the team. Renault had announced a year ago that it would stop its power unit project after the 2025 season. As part of the sport’s technical regulation reset, Alpine has partnered with Mercedes to supply power units to four teams, including their own. The Enstone-based squad struggled in 2025 and finished at the bottom of the constructors’ championship. Alpine decided to shift focus early to their 2026 car in hopes of a stronger start to the season ahead. They will reveal their 2026 livery at a season launch event on January 15, with the car hitting the track at the end of the month. You can listen to the audio of the F1 challenger being fired up below!
