Toto Wolff Expresses Openness to Alpine F1 Engine Partnership from 2026: Exploring the Potential Shift for Mercedes and Alpine

Toto Wolff expresses receptiveness to potential Alpine F1 engine agreement: 'The more engines, the merrier…'

Toto Wolff responds to rumors of Alpine possibly using Mercedes engines from 2026.

Toto Wolff has indicated that Mercedes is considering the possibility of providing F1 engines to Alpine starting in 2026, as there are rumors that the French team may discontinue their own engine development initiative.

Alpine is allegedly contemplating abandoning their in-house engine development in favor of sourcing power units from another supplier starting in 2026.

Since the implementation of F1's engine regulations in 2014, Alpine, a subsidiary of Renault, has faced challenges in adapting to these rules.

Renault has continually found themselves at a disadvantage regarding their engine technology, eventually leading to Red Bull switching their allegiance to Honda in 2019.

Under the upcoming 2026 engine regulations, Renault could believe that Alpine's optimal path to success involves transitioning into a customer team, similar to McLaren.

During the FIA media briefing at Silverstone on Friday, Wolff responded to inquiries regarding the potential for providing engines to Alpine starting in 2026.

He expressed that it's a complex issue, stating his preference for the idea of substituting Aston Martin with a different team, emphasizing the significant learning opportunities it presents. According to him, as an organization, they benefit from having more power units since it aids in speeding up development and enhancing reliability.

"This is the situation as it stands. It seems the matter hasn't progressed past the initial phase of sharing views or engaging in preliminary talks. I believe Alpine is at a juncture where they need to decide whether they wish to proceed with their Formula 1 engine project or not."

"We've communicated to them that we are willing to explore our agreements only after they've made that crucial strategic choice. However, we remain flexible and open to possibilities."

Currently, Mercedes is set to provide engines to three teams in 2026, including their factory team, alongside McLaren and Williams.

Aston Martin, which currently utilizes Mercedes engines, is set to collaborate with Honda in alignment with the upcoming regulations.

Consequently, Mercedes could potentially become the engine supplier for an additional team, such as Alpine.

McLaren Chief Executive Zak Brown fully endorses the idea of Alpine partnering with Mercedes as a client, if it aids the German brand's progress in engine technology.

"Indeed, from our perspective, what benefits HPP also benefits McLaren, in our view," he continued. "Working with them has been a fantastic experience. Therefore, if it enhances their power unit offering, then we fully support it. Regarding the timing of decisions, I believe the earlier a decision is made, the more time there is for planning.

"I presume they'd likely aim to reach a verdict prior to the summer hiatus, allowing ample opportunity to familiarize themselves with the power unit and operational methods."

Williams team leader James Vowles remarked, “Zak and Toto expressed it well. The greater the power distribution, the more knowledge you gain. This is undeniable in the current season. However, I must admit, I'm uncertain about McLaren and Mercedes' positions.

"Viewed from our standpoint, we've been collaborating with HPP for numerous months to perfect the concept for ‘26. Consequently, any action taken will result in a lag of six to 12 months behind the three other teams, which is significantly disadvantageous overall."

"This doesn't imply it's impossible, however, there will be aspects where compromises are necessary. Achieving success in '26 requires significant effort. Even minor decisions regarding the layout can lead to substantial consequences."

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