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Long-time Formula 1 manufacturer might not have much time left

BBG News

As a long-time Formula 1 fan and avid gamer, I’ve seen my fair share of team shakeups and powertrain changes over the years. And let me tell you, the upcoming 2026 regulations are shaping up to be a game-changer for some teams on the grid. Renault’s Formula 1 powertrains have been underperforming compared to their competitors like Mercedes, Honda, and Ferrari. It’s no secret that Renault lost Red Bull as a customer in 2019, and then rebranded as Alpine while still maintaining ownership of the team.

Starting in 2026, new Formula 1 regulations are expected to bring about significant changes, prompting teams to plan ahead with their main suppliers. A few teams might even switch suppliers, with Alpine being a possible contender for this shift.

In simpler terms, it appears that Renault’s Formula 1 engines are not performing as well as those of Mercedes, Honda, or Ferrari.

Around 2019, it became evident that Renault’s Formula 1 prowess was waning as Red Bull opted to replace them with Honda instead. A few short years later, Renault underwent a rebranding process and emerged as Alpine while continuing to hold ownership of the team.

More recently, Alpine is seriously considering transforming from a factory team to a customer one, aiming to kick off a new chapter in Formula 1 with renewed strength. There are talks about possible collaborations with teams like Ferrari or Mercedes.

Toto Wolff has spoken out about the rumors and is open to welcoming Alpine to Mercedes. This won’t put extra pressure on Mercedes since Aston Martin intends to transition from Mercedes to Honda by 2026. Furthermore, McLaren CEO Zak Brown is fine with Alpine joining Mercedes as a partner team.

What could a change lead to for Alpine?

Following Red Bull’s effective transition from Renault to Honda, Alpine aims to achieve similar results. After making significant personnel changes midway through last season and attracting notable new investors, the team is determined to bounce back strongly from their recent slump.

Following the suggestion of Flavio Briatore and the potential connection to Carlos Sainz Jr., Alpine’s choice of powertrain after the regulatory shift could influence whether or not they are able to secure Sainz’s contract.

Based on current signs, it seems Mercedes will field a strong engine for Formula 1’s upcoming phase. This could be the reason behind Albon’s decision to stay with Williams. Considering Sainz’s impressive performance in F1 and his even matches against teammate Leclerc, the 29-year-old driver wouldn’t want to compromise his competitiveness next season by taking a step back.

McLaren’s potential switch from Mercedes to Red Bull could bring benefits for Alpine if they join as a customer team. Reports suggest that Brown has been in frequent discussions with Red Bull representatives. In case Mercedes reduces the number of their customer teams, Alpine would likely be among the teams that reap long-term advantages from this change.

If Renault’s performance in Formula 1 keeps deteriorating, they might consider selling the team. Their current situation is far from ideal, and if they’re even considering dropping their powertrain, it’s a clear indication of their struggles within the sport.

Renault CEO Luca de Meo has rejected multiple proposals to sell Alpine. However, he left open the possibility of reconsidering this decision near the end of the 2024 season and in the year that follows. Ultimately, Alpine’s switch to Mercedes for their powertrain could prove advantageous as they approach the 2026 racing season.

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2024-07-25 13:32

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