For some Formula 1 teams on the grid, focus is already beginning to turn towards the 2026 season.
F1 are introducing a new set of regulations in 2026 which will either level the playing field or create a new era of supremacy for one manufacturer on the grid.
David Croft was speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast about the upcoming changes to the sport.
There is already speculation in the paddock about which teams might be better prepared than others for the next period in Formula 1.
With some regulations not yet set in stone, the power units have become a key talking point with development already underway.
Croft has now suggested that people suspect two-time F1 champions Renault may not have done the best job with their next engine.
It would be another blow for Alpine who are already quickly falling down the Formula 1 pecking order.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Alpine F1 Team from team principal to lineage
David Croft shares concerns he’s heard about Renault’s 2026 engine
There’s plenty of movement in the Formula 1 driver’s market this year with so many contracts coming to an end in the winter.
Although remaining on the grid in 2025 is a priority, drivers are also keeping one eye on which teams look in good shape for when the new ruleset is introduced the following year.
Alex Albon has already cited Williams having Mercedes power units as one of his reasons for staying with the team.
That could also play a part in their pursuit of Carlos Sainz as he assesses his dwindling options on the grid.
Alpine team principal Bruno Famin would love to sign Sainz for next year, but if he’s hearing the same rumours as Croft about their next engine, then he might swerve that option.
It’s a familiar concern for Alpine who have had issues with their Renault power unit in this era as well.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Alpine F1 Team from team principal to lineage
Renault having a tough time with Alpine in Formula 1
Talking about the situation at Alpine, Croft said: “But what’s going on with the engine for 2026? Has Viry-Chatillon come up with a really good power unit?
“We don’t know, people are suspecting that a bit like the current regulations they might not have done the best job, but we don’t know for sure on that one.
“So, it’s a two-fold thing, Renault need to invest in the power unit, someone needs to invest in Enstone and then you’ve got a works team that people want to start driving for.
“I don’t think a driver is necessarily going to make all the difference at Enstone, not by a long shot.”
How long will Alpine be on the Formula 1 grid?
Alpine are one of a handful of factory teams on the grid right now but have been underperforming for some time now.
There have been suggestions that Alpine’s CEO may already be considering selling the team.
There’s one obvious buyer out there in the form of Andretti who had their application to become the 11 team on the grid rejected.
Renault are at a point where they either need to commit fully to their Formula 1 project or move on completely.
With Audi joining the grid in 2026 and pouring huge amounts of money into the team, they’ll only fall further behind unless they up their game.
The post David Croft says ‘people are suspecting’ two-time F1 champions haven’t done the best job with 2026 engine appeared first on F1 Oversteer.