Alpine to Utilize Mercedes Power Units and Gearboxes from 2026 in Strategic Shift

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Alpine has announced a significant development in its Formula 1 journey by entering an agreement with Mercedes for the German manufacturer’s power units and gearboxes from 2026 up to at least the end of 2030. Alpine’s strategic stride is the first major change in the approach through which Alpine tries to make its mark in the F1 circuit.

Transition Plans and ‘Hypertech’ Transformation

alpine to become f1 driver — Alpine To Use Mercedes Power Unit

The deal will see Alpine use Mercedes power units and gearboxes from 2026, but it has been understood that Alpine will own the gearbox in-house at Enstone starting in 2027. It is part of the ‘Hypertech’ transformation project, which is planned to elevate the team’s performance and ability.

End Programme of Works Engine

Alpine finally confirmed last month that the work engine program will be phased out at the end of next year. Details have been subject to lengthy discussions with other manufacturers as Mercedes is the firm’s favorite for a customer’s engine supply. Alpine has said it would continue to build its own power units through 2025 before handing them over in 2026, which is in line with the new power unit regulations, which will enforce a much greater focus on the battery and the use of 100% sustainable fuels.

Statements and Leadership Restructuring

In a concise statement, Alpine said, “Mercedes-Benz will provide Alpine with Power Units for the duration of the new regulations era from 2026 until 2030. In addition to the Power Unit, Alpine will also receive Mercedes gearboxes from the 2026 season. The team is fully committed to performing in the best possible way both in the 2024 and 2025 seasons”.

Renault Group Chief Executive Luca de Meo launched a full overhaul of the Alpine F1 team last season and has presided over these changes. Major changes have taken place at the top of the organization over the past year, with Flavio Briatore reinstated as Executive Advisor, Oli Oakes, founding partner of Hitech, taking on the Team Principal role, and David Sanchez joining from Ferrari and McLaren to become Executive Technical Director.

De Meo also reviewed the F1 operation based on an in-depth analysis of their engine division in Viry, France. This led to the decision to close down the power unit program, which had started building F1 engines in 1976.

Future Prospects

This partnership with Mercedes means that Alpine will sharpen its competitiveness and performance over the coming seasons, embracing the new era of F1 with elan and tactical foresight.

FAQs

Q. Why change over to Mercedes for the power units and gearboxes?

A. Alpine has decided to resort to Mercedes power units and gearboxes to become competitive at the F1 circuit and perform better. Of course, new power unit rules entering the fray in 2026, a concept that places greater emphasis on batteries and fully sustainable fuels, have had much to do with Alpine’s decision here.

Q. When do you think Alpine will use Mercedes power units and gearboxes?

A. Alpine will use Mercedes power units and gearboxes starting in 2026.

Q. Will Alpine continue building its own power units?

A. Alpine will continue building its own power units until the end of the 2025 season; however, it will switch to using Mercedes power units and gearboxes starting in 2026.

Q. What is the ‘Hypertech’ transformation project?

A. Hypertech is how Alpine has baptized its transformation project by improving the performances and capabilities of its teams. Thus, starting in 2027, Alpine will produce this gearbox in-house at Enstone.

Q. Who are the new senior leadership for Alpine?

A. It comprises Flavio Briatore, Executive Advisor; Oli Oakes, Team Principal; and new recruit David Sanchez, recently from Ferrari and McLaren, as the Executive Technical Director.