Alpine could make a significant performance leap in 2026 with the new Mercedes engines.

Formula 1 is preparing for a radical change in 2026 with the arrival of regulations that will alter both the chassis and the power units. Among all manufacturers, Mercedes appears to have gained an advantage, since, according to the specialized portal MotorSport, it is the most advanced in the development of the power unit that will combine 50% endothermic energy with another 50% electric.

This leap puts not only Mercedes in a privileged position, but also McLaren, Williams, and Alpine, teams that will use its engine. Other suppliers such as Ferrari, Honda, and Ford would be left further behind.

Even Laurent Mekies, the new director of Red Bull after Christian Horner's departure, acknowledged that it will be difficult to compete from the start: "It would be crazy to think that we could be close to Mercedes or Ferrari at the beginning of the season." The partnership with Ford raises doubts about the performance of a team accustomed to dominating.

The 2026 season and Alpine's great opportunity

The regulation change for next year will greatly benefit the French team. The new rules offer a kind of clean slate that will allow teams to redesign their approach and leave performance issues behind.

The French bet is twofold, since in addition to taking advantage of the new regulations, it will stop using Renault engines, one of its weak points, to become a Mercedes customer. This way, they will be able to focus all their resources on the chassis, trusting that the German brand will provide them with a reliable and competitive power unit.

The team sees in this restart the possibility of returning to the big fight. If Franco Colapinto is confirmed as a driver, he could find himself with a car capable of aiming for much more than in recent seasons.