Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff has essentially confirmed that talks have taken place with Alpine regarding an F1 power unit supply deal for 2026. Last month, reports emerged that Alpine was planning to discontinue its Viry-Chatillon F1 power unit business for 2026 and instead seek a supplier of engines for the new regulations.
“We are not going to comment on rumors,” Alpine F1 team principal Bruno Famin said at the team principal’s press conference at the Spanish Grand Prix. “We have a lot of respect for everyone involved in the project at Viry. It would be terrible to comment on rumors.” However, refraining from commenting did not mean denial. Asked at Friday’s British Grand Prix press conference whether negotiations between Mercedes and Alpine had taken place, Wolff revealed that there was truth to the rumors. “As you know, this is a complicated situation. We prefer the idea of replacing Aston Martin with another team, purely because we have a lot to learn,” Toto Wolff told the media. “I think we are organized around the idea that the more power units we have, the more development and reliability we can have. That’s the way it is,” he said. “The discussions have not gone beyond an exchange of ideas, a preliminary discussion,” he said. “Once Alpine decides whether they want to continue with their F1 engine program and they have made that strategic decision, we will enter into a contract. “But we are open-minded and we have told them that.”
Wolff was joined at Friday’s press conference by McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Williams team principal James Bowles. Both F1 teams enjoy long-standing partnerships with Mercedes High Performance Powertrain (HPP). Asked how he felt regarding Alpine becoming a Mercedes F1 engine customer, Brown was upbeat. “What’s good for HPP is good for McLaren,” Brown said. “They are a great partner, so if it adds value to their power unit proposal, we are all for it,” he said. “In terms of the timing of the decision, the sooner you make it, the more time you have to prepare.” Brown argued that Alpine needs to make a decision before the 2024 summer break to be properly prepared for the 2026 season, but Wolff said, “It’s too complicated and it’s a long-term decision with big implications for HPP.”
James Bowles also struck a competitive but positive note, referring to Williams’ ongoing high level of collaboration with Mercedes on their 2026 power unit, saying Alpine would have to work to catch up if they joined as Mercedes’ fourth customer. “The more power units there are in circulation, the more you can learn,” said the Williams team principal. “But I don’t know what the situation is with McLaren and Mercedes, but for us, we’ve been working with HPP for many months now to get our 2026 concept right,” said Schumacher. “That means that whatever we do, we’ll be six to 12 months behind the other three teams, which in the big picture is a significant disadvantage.” “It doesn’t mean it’s unachievable, but there will be compromises we’ll have to make,” he said. “It’s a huge amount of work to get 2026 right and the smallest decisions on the layout can actually have quite big impacts.”
With less than two years to go until the 2026 season, Alpine needs to decide quickly whether to prepare its own power unit good enough to be competitive, or to get used to Mercedes’ power unit.
Mercedes and Alpine: A Potential Power Unit Partnership for 2026
Whispers of a potential power unit partnership between Mercedes and Alpine for the 2026 Formula 1 season have reached a crescendo, with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff offering a subtle confirmation of discussions between the two teams.
The rumors arose following reports surfaced that Alpine was planning to discontinue its engine program at its Viry-Chatillon facility in favor of sourcing engines from another manufacturer for the upcoming 2026 regulations. While Alpine has officially refrained from commenting on the rumors, their silence has been interpreted as confirmation.
Wolff Hints at Talks
At the British Grand Prix, Wolff acknowledged the existence of discussions, albeit at a preliminary stage. “The discussions have not gone beyond an exchange of ideas, a preliminary discussion,” he explained. “Once Alpine decides whether they want to continue with their F1 engine programme and they have made that strategic decision, we will enter into a contract. But we are open-minded and we have told them that.”
The Pros and Cons for Mercedes
Wolff highlighted the potential benefits of expanding Mercedes’ power unit customer base, with the company already supplying McLaren and Williams. “As you know, this is a complicated situation. We prefer the idea of replacing Aston Martin with another team, purely because we have a lot to learn,” he said. “I think we are organized around the idea that the more power units we have, the more development and reliability we can have. That’s the way it is.”
A partnership with Alpine would not only provide Mercedes with valuable data and feedback but might also lead to increased engine development and potentially result in better reliability for all their customers. However, the decision to expand their customer base is complex, considering the logistical and resource implications.
Reactions from McLaren and Williams
McLaren CEO Zak Brown voiced his support for the potential deal, highlighting the benefits for Mercedes’ power unit program. “What’s good for HPP is good for McLaren,” Brown stated. “They are a great partner, so if it adds value to their power unit proposal, we are all for it.”
Williams team principal James Bowles also acknowledged the competitive aspect of the potential deal. “The more power units there are in circulation, the more you can learn,” Bowles said. However, he highlighted the potential disadvantage for Williams if Alpine joins as Mercedes’ fourth customer. “That means that whatever we do, we’ll be six to 12 months behind the other three teams, which in the big picture is a significant disadvantage.”
Alpine’s Decision
The ball is now in Alpine’s court, as they need to decide whether to pursue their own power unit development or partner with Mercedes for the 2026 season. The decision is a crucial one, considering the significant impact it will have on Alpine’s future competitiveness.
With the 2026 season quickly approaching, Alpine needs to make a decision promptly to allow sufficient time for preparation and development. The consequences of delaying the decision might be substantial, potentially impacting their competitiveness in the upcoming years.
The potential partnership between Mercedes and Alpine has stirred excitement and anticipation within the Formula 1 community. With both parties cautiously optimistic regarding the potential benefits, time will tell if this tentative alliance evolves into a long-term partnership shaping the future of Formula 1.