Alpine’s Formula 1 team is reportedly considering shutting down its Renault power unit operation at Viry-Chatillon and seeking a customer engine deal from a different manufacturer. According to Autosport, Alpine plans to discontinue its F1 power unit project and forgo developing a new engine for 2026, instead opting to lease one from a rival OEM. This surprising development follows Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo’s statement that they will not sell any part of their F1 power unit. However, de Meo does acknowledge the shortcomings of the power units produced at Viry since the hybrid era began in 2014. The poor performance of Viry’s F1 power units has resulted in a loss of customer base, with only the works Alpine team using the Renault engine. Joe Saward reports that the budget cap for F1 power unit development is set at $95 million until 2025, but less than half of that amount ($40 million) is being spent each year at Viry. With the cap set to increase to $130 million per year alongside new regulations, Alpine would need a significant increase in investment to keep up. Saward also notes that engine leases in F1 are capped at $15 million, which explains why Alpine’s Team Principal is reportedly in discussions with rival manufacturers to secure a deal.
So who can Alpine approach to borrow an F1 engine for 2026 and beyond?
To avoid any interference from competing car manufacturers, Alpine could consider partnering with the newly established Red Bull Powertrains.
Interestingly, Red Bull switched from Renault to Honda in 2019 due to years of dissatisfaction with Renault’s underperforming engines.
However, since Red Bull is starting its engine development from scratch, it is unlikely that they could supply engines to any team other than their own.
The same situation applies to Audi, as they have their hands full with developing an engine for their takeover of Sauber in 2026.
The most probable supplier would be Mercedes, who will lose a customer in 2026 when Aston Martin becomes a Honda-powered team.
Mercedes has previously supplied engines to the “Team Enstone” (formerly known as Lotus) in 2015. During that season, the team improved significantly, finishing sixth in the Constructors’ standings with 78 points, a remarkable improvement of 68 points compared to their 2014 season powered by Renault.
If the Viry F1 engine operation is closed down and Alpine fails to secure a customer deal, the regulations allow for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to be mandated to supply engines to the team.
Speculation suggests that Honda is the likely candidate in this scenario.
Regardless, this recent development in Alpine’s F1 journey, which includes a poorly performing car, significant changes in senior staff, and discord among its drivers, presents a distressing situation that is not fitting for a factory-backed F1 team.