Alpine’s Strategic Shift: Bruno Famin Steps Down as Team Principal Amid Power Unit Purchase Talks

Alpine considers purchasing an external power unit | Bruno Famin steps down as team principal

Bruno Famin transitions to a different role within Renault Group

Bruno Famin has declared his exit from his role as the team principal for Alpine.

The team issued a statement announcing: "BWT Alpine F1 Team has officially announced that Bruno Famin will be stepping down from his current position as Team Principal of the F1 division by the end of August.

"Bruno is set to oversee the entirety of the Renault Group's Motorsport operations based in Viry-Chatillon."

"An announcement regarding the new Team Principal is expected to be made in the near future."

Sky Sports has associated Hitech GP's creator, Oliver Oakes, with the position.

During the F1 Belgian Grand Prix, Famin revealed to Crash.net, who were present in the paddock, that Alpine is considering purchasing a power unit from an outside supplier starting 2026.

This move signifies a significant shift in strategy, transitioning from a production-focused entity to a client-oriented team.

Alpine is reportedly considering a switch to Mercedes engines.

Famin described it as a "transformation project" while speaking with PU manufacturers at Spa.

At the start of the week, a new initiative was unveiled to the team's representative in Viry, focusing on the redistribution of resources. The plan involves shifting assets and expertise from the existing Formula 1 power unit production, already a Viry-based operation, towards supporting innovative technologies for the brand's upcoming project.

Should this project receive approval, it would lead to the Alpine F1 team purchasing a power unit rather than investing in the development of their own.

"Consequently, there will be additional resources available for brand development, alongside a distinct engine to compete with in the Formula 1 team."

Famin further stated, "We are in discussions with various PU producers. Since this is a project, nothing has been finalized yet. In France, we must adhere to a stringent social process, including union consultations."

"Currently, we are in discussions with several polyurethane producers, but we're unable to finalize any agreements until this procedure is completed."

Speaking at Silverstone, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff remarked, "It's a complex scenario as we are open to the idea of substituting Aston Martin for a different team, given the educational benefits involved."

Our organization is structured in a way that emphasizes the benefit of having more power units, as it enhances the pace of certain developments and improves reliability.

It did not progress further than sharing views or engaging in preliminary conversations.

Alpine faces a critical choice. Should they persist with their Formula 1 engine project or abandon it?

"Only after they've made that crucial choice will we delve into our contracts. However, we remain receptive. That's the message we've conveyed to them."

Alpine has already experienced considerable transformations.

Twelve months prior, they parted ways with ex-team leader Otmar Szafnauer.

CEO Laurent Rossi, sports director Alan Permane, and chief technical officer Pat Fry have also departed from their positions.

Recently, Flavio Briatore was brought back into Formula 1 in an advisory role.

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