F1 2026, Alpine – Mercedes: a thorn in the side of the top teams
Among the many changes set to define the 2026 Formula 1 season, one of the most intriguing developments is Alpine’s switch to Mercedes power units. Could this new partnership prove to be a winning combination for the French team?
Attention for next season must be paid to several factors. Alongside new teams entering the grid, the updated regulations, revised Pirelli tyres, and the addition of rookie driver Arvid Lindblad, the choice of power unit supplier is another crucial aspect. Engine changes for 2026 are expected to have a major impact on team performance across the championship.
While much of the recent discussion has focused on Audi, Honda, and Red Bull in collaboration with Ford, Alpine’s adoption of Mercedes engines is quietly emerging as a potentially decisive factor. This pairing could significantly enhance Alpine’s competitiveness in 2026.
From last to the top of the grid: is it possible?
The 2025 season was disastrous for Alpine by every measure: last place in the constructors’ standings, a mid-season driver change after just six races, and minimal development introduced throughout the year. Despite the disappointing campaign, there is a silver lining for the team looking forward to 2026.
Flavio Briatore, acting as a senior advisor to Alpine, emphasized that the team should focus entirely on the 2026 season. Pierre Gasly, Alpine’s lead driver since 2023, also demonstrated diminishing motivation to push for strong results in such an inconsequential 2025 campaign. This strategy mirrors a trend adopted by many teams, but for Alpine, it is particularly justified.
Knowing that Renault would exit the project and Mercedes would supply the 2026 power units, Alpine could concentrate all development and resources on the new car from the outset. The A525 chassis, in particular, received praise during 2025, especially in strong races such as Bahrain. With the ability to design a well-balanced chassis and pair it with a highly promising Mercedes power unit, Alpine’s 2026 package theoretically looks very competitive. Finishing last in 2025 also brings benefits under the ATR mechanism, granting extra wind tunnel and CFD time that could prove pivotal for the team.
Alpine, the view of Carlo Vanzini
Italian F1 commentator Carlo Vanzini discussed the Alpine-Mercedes prospects on his YouTube channel, noting that the partnership could yield surprising results. He suggested that “considering the rumours around the Mercedes power unit, Alpine could even win races with Pierre Gasly next year.” Vanzini highlighted a potential technical “trick” being explored by Mercedes engineers to maximize the engine’s performance in 2026. “Within Alpine,” Vanzini continued, “there’s a significant opportunity given how unpredictable next season promises to be.”
In summary, amid all the uncertainties surrounding potential race winners in 2026, the Alpine-Mercedes partnership should not be underestimated. Alpine’s last-place finish in 2025 may have little relevance for the coming season, and the team now possesses the essential components to perform at the top level. On a final note, we also wish Carlo Vanzini a speedy and full recovery.
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