The agreement between Alpine and Mercedes to supply engines for the 2026 Formula 1 season could bring an unexpected additional benefit to the French team. After the dismissal of Laurent Rossi, the former CEO of Alpine F1 Team, in 2023, the team experienced significant managerial upheaval.
The surprises did not end there; in 2025, Oliver Oakes resigned, and Flavio Briatore was appointed interim Team Principal. Briatore, an Italian businessman, returned to Formula 1 sixteen years after receiving a lifetime ban from the sport due to his involvement in the infamous “Crashgate” scandal of 2008.
The uncertainties at the top management level, combined with disappointing results from Renault power units over several seasons, caused unrest among Alpine’s staff. This dissatisfaction culminated in the announcement at the end of 2024, where Alpine confirmed the termination of its engine supply partnership with Renault’s Viry-Chatillon factory after the 2025 season.
Following this decision, Alpine forged a new partnership with Mercedes, who took responsibility for providing engines to the team at least through 2030. Additionally, the gearbox will also come from the German manufacturer until 2027.
Currently, it is reported that Mercedes will have the best engine for the 2026 season, similar to what happened during the regulation changes in 2014. This promising prospect motivated the French team to switch to the Mercedes power unit.
However, Alpine might also receive an unexpected bonus from Mercedes if certain developments in the driver market make Andrea Kimi Antonelli available.
The Unexpected Bonus
While the Enstone-based team hopes the deal with Mercedes will improve their competitiveness on track, this contract might also help Alpine secure a highly promising rookie driver. Such a move would help the team resolve its current driver lineup dilemma.
In recent weeks, rumors have increased about a possible move of Max Verstappen to Mercedes, which would take away a seat from one of the team’s two current drivers, both of whom have contracts expiring this year.
This situation has cast doubts over the future prospects of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a rookie who began his Formula 1 career this year. If the four-time World Champion Verstappen joins Mercedes in 2026, the team will have to decide between the established George Russell and the promising Antonelli, who has been called the “next Verstappen.”
Should Verstappen truly make the switch to Mercedes in 2026, Alpine would have little difficulty in acquiring the 18-year-old Italian driver. Antonelli is considered a rising star within the Silver Arrows program, and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff would be eager to ensure the young driver remains on the Formula 1 grid.
Given Alpine’s less-than-ideal driver situation, the French team would gladly accept the idea of bringing Antonelli on board even on a loan contract.
At that point, Alpine would have a highly talented young driver who has already made a strong impression in Formula 1 and set several records. Antonelli secured his first pole position and podium finish within just a few races of starting his career in the sport’s top category.
Alongside him, there would be a consistent and reliable teammate in Pierre Gasly, which would significantly increase the chances of the Enstone team climbing the championship standings in the upcoming season.
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