### Alpine to Use Mercedes Power Units and Gearboxes Starting 2026

In a significant move to enhance their competitiveness in Formula 1, Alpine has announced that starting in 2026, they will switch to using Mercedes power units and gearboxes. This decision marks the next phase in Alpine's complete overhaul, which was initiated by Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo last year.

De Meo's restructuring efforts have led to sweeping changes within the team, including the departure of almost all senior personnel. A fresh leadership team has been assembled to steer the team forward. The new lineup includes Flavio Briatore returning as Executive Advisor, Hitech co-founder Oli Oakes serving as Team Principal, and David Sanchez, who previously worked with Ferrari and McLaren, stepping in as Executive Technical Director.

In addition to these personnel changes, De Meo commissioned a comprehensive review of the F1 operation. A significant part of this review was the evaluation of Alpine's engine division located in Viry, France. After careful consideration, the decision was made to shut down the power unit program that has been operational since 1976.

For several years, Alpine’s power units have lagged behind, proving to be the least competitive on the grid. This inadequacy has been particularly evident at certain circuits where the performance gap has cost the team crucial tenths of a second - a massive disadvantage in the closely contested world of modern Formula 1.

The switch to Mercedes power units and gearboxes is a bold step aimed at ensuring Alpine becomes a formidable contender in the future, starting from the 2026 season.