Alpine Considering Abandoning Works Renault Engine for Customer Deal in 2026
Alpine, the Formula 1 team owned by Renault, is weighing its options for the future regarding its engine supplier. According to sources, the team is evaluating the possibility of abandoning its works Renault engine in 2026 and instead becoming a customer team. Talks have been initiated with rival manufacturers to secure a customer deal.
Undergoing an extensive evaluation of its F1 project following a difficult start to the current season, Alpine has been exploring all avenues to improve its performance. With its current Renault power unit falling short in terms of performance compared to its rivals, the team is questioning if investing in its own engine is necessary.
It is now speculated that a plan is being considered to shift Alpine to a customer team, and team principal Bruno Famin has been in talks with potential suppliers. One of the most likely solutions would be to secure a deal with Red Bull, who will be producing their own engines from 2026. However, challenges with logistics make this option unlikely.
Another potential option is Mercedes, as the team will have an available supply deal for 2026 with Aston Martin switching to Honda. Mercedes has previously supplied engines to other automotive companies without any commercial disadvantages.
“If the Red Bull route does not happen, then the most likely other option would be Mercedes,” sources revealed.
Should Alpine decide to go down the customer engine route and not reach an agreement with another manufacturer, the F1 regulations dictate that one of the current engine suppliers would be called upon to provide an engine. In this case, Honda would likely be the chosen supplier as they will not have a second customer team from 2026 onwards.
Kosport Magazine’s Take
While talks about Alpine shifting to a customer team and potentially abandoning its works Renault engine are underway, Renault CEO Luca de Meo has reiterated his commitment to the French team in F1. In an interview with Autocar, he stated that they have no intention of selling any part of the team and are focused on improving their turbo hybrid engines.
A move to become a customer team would not only potentially result in a cheaper and more competitive power unit for Alpine, but it would also make the team more attractive for potential buyers in the future. It would also relieve them from the legacy of their engine department, which has been involved in F1 since the 1970s.
While a decision to shift away from F1 may seem drastic, there are still other motorsport ventures that Renault could potentially pursue, including developing the power unit for their WEC Hypercar. Alpine has declined to comment on the situation, but it will be interesting to see how things develop in the near future.
