In a significant shift, the BWT Alpine F1 Team has officially announced a multi-year agreement with Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains and Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix.
This partnership will see Alpine transition to Mercedes power units and gearboxes starting from the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship, marking a new chapter in the team’s power unit strategy.
The agreement ensures that Mercedes will supply power units to Alpine from 2026 through at least 2030, coinciding with the introduction of new technical regulations in Formula 1.
In addition to the power units, Alpine will also receive Mercedes gearboxes.
Alpine’s decision follows Renault’s announcement to discontinue its engine programme at Viry-Châtillon, prompting the team to seek a more competitive edge as the sport embraces advanced hybrid power units.
By aligning with Mercedes, Alpine aims to leverage the proven technology of one of F1’s most successful power unit suppliers to enhance their on-track performance.
In a statement, Alpine said: “BWT Alpine Formula One Team, Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, and Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix have entered into Power Unit and Gearbox Agreements from the start of the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship.
“The multi-year agreement will see Mercedes-Benz supply BWT Alpine Formula One Team with Power Units for the duration of the new regulation era, from 2026 until at least 2030.
“Alongside the Power Unit, BWT Alpine Formula One Team will also be supplied with Mercedes gearboxes from the 2026 season.
“The team remains focused on performing in the strongest way possible in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.”
The team will take over the supply chain previously utilised by Aston Martin, which has opted for Honda power units for the 2026 season.
Consequently, Mercedes will provide power units to four teams in total, including its works team, McLaren, and Williams.
The decision to partner with Mercedes signifies the conclusion of an era for Renault in Formula 1, a brand that has played a major role in the sport since its entry in 1977.
Renault was a trailblazer in introducing turbocharged engines, which transformed the dynamics of racing.
The French manufacturer boasts a rich history in F1, highlighted by back-to-back Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships secured by Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006.
However, challenges during the hybrid era, which began in 2014, have affected Renault’s competitive standing.
Despite notable successes, including Alpine’s stunning victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2021 and respectable finishes in the Constructors’ Championship in 2020 and 2022, the overall performance has declined in recent years.
As Alpine prepares for this transition, the team is focused on maximising its potential in the immediate seasons ahead while looking forward to the promising possibilities that come with the new partnership with Mercedes-Benz.
