In a significant move aimed at boosting competitiveness in Formula 1, Alpine Racing has announced a partnership with Mercedes for engine supply starting in the 2026 season. This decision follows Renault’s announcement to discontinue its own engine program by 2025, marking a pivotal shift for the team as it seeks to enhance performance on the track.
Alpine will not only utilize Mercedes engines but will also incorporate Mercedes-supplied gearboxes and rear suspension components. While the team is considering developing these parts in-house from 2027, the immediate focus is on maximizing the benefits of this partnership through the end of 2030.
This strategic pivot comes after years of underperformance with Renault engines, which failed to keep pace with competitors. The rebranding of Renault to Alpine in 2021 was accompanied by ambitious goals, including a target to contend for world titles within 100 races. However, management changes have complicated these aspirations, particularly following the dismissal of CEO Laurent Rossi in 2023.
The restructuring has seen former Renault F1 team boss Flavio Briatore appointed as an executive adviser with a mandate to reinvent the team’s structure. Under his guidance, Briton Oliver Oakes has stepped in as team principal. Recent reports indicate that workforce reductions have occurred at their Enstone base, decreasing from 1,150 to 850 employees, despite Briatore’s earlier assertions against job cuts.
Despite starting the season at the back of the grid, Alpine Racing has demonstrated marked improvements. A noteworthy performance during the wet Sao Paulo Grand Prix on November 3rd saw drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly secure second and third places respectively. This result propelled Alpine from ninth to sixth in the constructors’ championship standings, translating into a potential financial boost of approximately $30 million (£23.4 million) if they maintain this position through the season’s end.
The reorganization and new partnerships represent more than just operational changes; they signal Alpine Racing’s determination to reclaim its status as a competitive force in Formula 1. As they navigate these transitions, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how these strategic decisions unfold on the track.
With ambitious goals set against recent successes, Alpine is poised to reshape its future—leveraging new partnerships while striving for excellence in an ever-evolving motorsport landscape.
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