Why is Alpine taking Mercedes gearboxes for just one season?

Alpine’s decision to take Mercedes’ Formula 1 gearbox for 2026 will give it “headroom” to develop elsewhere for the next series of regulations before building its own in 2027.

Despite protests from personnel at Renault Group’s Viry-Châtillon powertrain headquarters, a decision was taken to close the French manufacturer’s 2026 engine project and sign a customer deal with Mercedes for the start of the new regulations.

This came as CEO Luca De Meo and executive advisor Flavio Briatore wanted to give the team a clear benchmark against the likes of McLaren and Mercedes, while also reducing the group’s F1 overhead costs.

Team principal Oliver Oakes explained the team’s decision to only get Mercedes gearboxes for 2026, saying he expected the team to build their own for 2027 and beyond.

“We’re taking that (gearbox) for just one year in 2026. It gives us a bit of wiggle room during the regulation change, so that’s one less thing to worry about,” Oakes said in an exclusive interview with Autosport. Is.”

“But our own gearbox is in the car now and we are performing, and that will be the case going forward in 2027.

“It’s a completely balancing resource for that one season in 2026, and everyone in the team has designed, built and built and raced a great gearbox. And that’s also clear to look at the current results. “

Oakes expanded on Alpine’s preparations for the next two seasons, stating that the team, unlike many of its midfield rivals, was not looking to completely sacrifice results in 2025; For example, Williams has been vocal in its decision to focus most of its resources on its 2026 car.

He suggested that some of those teams might openly target 2026 in an effort to reduce the pressure on themselves in 2025, although he admitted that he would like to “go to town” to put resources into the next generation of cars. Would like it.

“(Balancing 2025 and 2026), it’s the daily topic right now, I think because some teams have been quite vocal about sacrificing 2025.

“I don’t know how much you believe in it or not. Maybe they’re trying to take some pressure off themselves because most teams find out in December that they’re looking for 2025. And Makes you wonder when teams come up with comments like this…

“For my part, we want a good ’25. We’re very humble that it’s not going to be easy because there’s a lot left this year.

“And we know we would love to go more into the city to balance growth and resources for 2026, but I think everyone will be evaluated over the next three years; Will judge based on what we did on 23-24-25-26-27 as a period of time rather than just that moment.

“I’m new to the job, but I find it quite interesting to read things online that a lot of people don’t pay attention to, the context, background and construction of things.

“And the situation we were in as a team wasn’t just because of the winter. Things were signed a long time ago. And I think it’s always important to look at the global perspective.”