Esteban Ocon’s announcement of leaving the Alpine team has sparked numerous rumours about his replacement. Alpine has hinted at another bold move just days after parting ways with their 5-year-long driver and only race winner.
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Alpine has had a challenging 2024 season, scoring only 5 points after 9 races, a stark contrast to 47 at the same stage in 2023. This poor performance raised questions about whether Renault could develop a powerful new generation turbo hybrid engine for 2026.
Recent report from Motorsport suggests that Alpine might discontinue its partnership with Renault and evolve into a customer team, abandoning the work on the 2026 power unit with Renault. Sources claim that team principal Bruno Famin has been in talks with rival manufacturers to explore options.
Constant negotiations amid Red Bull’s 2026 power unit debut
Red Bull will also be a manufacturer in 2026 for the new hybrid power unit. While they are Renault’s most viable solution, logistical complications make it difficult. The 6-time-constructors’ champion already has its hands full supplying their team and the sister team, RB.
Autosport understands that Alpine is in talks with rivals about customer #F1 engine deals 👀
— Autosport (@autosport) June 17, 2024
Which manufacturer would you like Alpine to join forces with if a split with Renault becomes a reality? pic.twitter.com/xoRQvXKv6a
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal commented,
“I think already supplying two teams in ’26 is probably even slightly beyond optimum in year one, but it just gives us the capacity and capability for further down the line. So I think first of all, we need to firmly establish ourselves and then we can take more on from there.”
Despite this, Famin has not given up yet. The second option for Renault is Mercedes. However, the German manufacturer will already be supplying the power units to their team, Williams and McLaren in 2026. Toto Wolff, the Mercedes Team Principal, said they are open to supporting three teams, but adding a fourth remains uncertain.
What does the future hold for Alpine?
According to F1 regulations, the French team will be assigned a manufacturer if they are not able to secure a contract. Alpine’s best bet may lie with Red Bull if they stop investing in their Viry-Chatillon plant’s F1 Program.
Pierre Gasly, the driver of the French team, said, “As a team, it’s important to consider all options and then make up your mind on what’s best in terms of performance.” He expressed confidence in the decisions made by the senior management.
“Considering the story between us, I think it’s been good”
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 6, 2024
Pierre Gasly’s take after the news Esteban Ocon will leave Alpine at the end of the season 🎥#F1 #CanadianGP pic.twitter.com/NWIRgKmuql
However, Gasly did point out, “Fundamentally, being a works team you don’t have any limitation, you set your limits. And that’s the advantage.“
Shifting to a customer team is not ideal. However, executives believe it might be the best solution for Alpine.
Rohit Kumar