Alpine considers abandoning Renault engines in 2026
Alpine is evaluating whether to abandon its works Renault engine and become a customer team from 2026, amid performance struggles with its current power unit and uncertainty over its 2026 engine project's competitiveness.
Renault's engine performance
Alpine, the rebranded Renault F1 team, has been grappling with performance deficits from its Renault power unit compared to rival manufacturers.
This predicament has prompted a comprehensive evaluation of the team's F1 project, including its engine strategy for the upcoming 2026 regulations overhaul.
Questioning in-house engine development
With substantial investments required to develop a competitive 2026 power unit and no guarantees of success, Alpine is questioning the necessity of continuing with its own works engine program.
The team is exploring the possibility of abandoning Renault's 2026 engine project and instead becoming a customer team.
Talks with rival manufacturers
Alpine Team Principal Bruno Famin has been at the forefront of these deliberations, holding discussions with rival manufacturers to assess potential customer engine supply options for 2026 and beyond.
Red Bull and Mercedes: Potential suppliers
The most logical choice would be securing a customer deal with Red Bull, which will have its own power units from 2026.
However, Red Bull has expressed concerns about overextending itself by supplying a third team alongside its two outfits in the initial 2026 season.
If a Red Bull deal fails to materialize, Mercedes emerges as the likeliest alternative.
With Aston Martin's switch to Honda engines in 2026, Mercedes has a customer supply slot available, and the German manufacturer has demonstrated a willingness to supply other automotive companies without perceiving commercial downsides.
Regulatory contingency plan
Should Alpine decide on a customer engine route but fail to secure an agreement with another manufacturer, F1's regulations mandate that one of the current engine suppliers would be obligated to provide power units to the team.
In this scenario, Honda, as the only existing manufacturer without a second customer team lined up for 2026, would likely be requested to supply Alpine.
Renault's commitment to Alpine
Despite these engine deliberations, Renault CEO Luca de Meo has reaffirmed the company's commitment to Alpine's F1 future, dismissing speculation about potential buyers.
However, he acknowledged Renault's struggles with the turbo-hybrid engine rules, citing a performance deficit of up to 1.5 seconds per lap compared to the frontrunners.
Potential benefits of customer status
A customer engine deal could provide Alpine with access to more competitive and cost-effective power units.
Additionally, shedding the legacy Viry-Chatillon engine department could make the team more attractive for potential future sale, as it would reduce the team's operational complexities.
While a move away from in-house engine development would mark a significant shift for Renault's motorsport division, the Viry facility could redirect its focus to other projects, such as developing the power unit for Alpine's WEC Hypercar program.
Alpine declined to comment on the situation when approached by the media.
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