Alpine set to make decision on engine manufacture within weeks
F1 News
According to Renault CEO Luca de Meo, only a few weeks remain before Alpine decide which engine will be used in their cars from the 2026 season onwards. In his final race weekend as Alpine team boss, Bruno Famin explained that the team intended to become a customer team when the new rules and regulations are introduced.
Doubts have long existed about Alpine's future with Renault. Staff working on the engine held protests at Monza during the Italian Grand Prix weekend.
Renault has a rich history in Formula 1, with past success. Red Bull Racing, for instance, became world champion four times between 2010 and 2013 with a Renault engine. They also had World Championship success with Williams, Benetton and under their own team name with Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006. If Alpine decides to strike a deal with another engine supplier, it would end Renault's time in Formula 1.
Will Renault or Mercedes be Alpine's engine supplier?
De Meo told Motorsport.com that a decision will be made soon: "We have four or five weeks to define the situation in the board. We are analysing how to approach F1 from 2026 in order to be more competitive and we are evaluating every opportunity. The idea of switching to Mercedes engines is on the table, but I can assure you that there is no choice done yet."
The Renault CEO also stated that if Alpine actually decide not to run with a Renault engine from 2026, nothing will be sold. The French car brand is also working on other projects, both inside and outside of motorsport.
This article has been created in collaboration with Cas van de Kluet