There are only currently four works teams on the Formula 1 grid: Red Bull Racing, Ferrari, Mercedes and Alpine.
It gives those manufacturers a distinct advantage of being in complete control of every aspect of the development of their car.
That number will change in 2026 when Sauber are taken by Audi who will make their debut on the grid after 76 years of watching from the outside.
It’s an exciting project that has already convinced Nico Hulkenberg to make the switch from Haas next year.
However, Alpine could potentially be going the other way with the suggestion that parent company Renault are exploring the option to become a customer team and shut down their power unit productions.
Speaking on the Autosport Podcast, journalist Ben Hunt has been explaining the situation within the French team.
If Renault end the production of their own engines, then it will have wide-spreading implications in the paddock.
It would also mean Alpine having to decide between several options to power their cars and Hunt has suggested that the Mercedes power unit is the logical choice for Bruno Famin’s outfit.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Alpine F1 Team from team principal to lineage
Renault considering ending power unit production for the Alpine F1 team
The last few seasons have not been easy for the Alpine Formula 1 team.
At the end of the 2022 season, they had just finished 4 in the Constructors’ Championship and had double-world champion Fernando Alonso driving alongside the exciting Esteban Ocon.
While Ocon stayed with the team, Alonso made the decision to move to Aston Martin despite the British team finishing way behind their French rivals that year.
Alpine also missed out on Oscar Piastri who chose a race seat at McLaren over a promotion to the team that had supported him through his junior categories.
Pierre Gasly was brought in and while both drivers finished on the podium in 2023, the team took a step backwards and that has continued this year.
After nine race weekends, Alpine have just five points to their name and have already decided to part ways with Ocon for next year with Gasly yet to confirm his next step either.
If Alpine lose their Renault power unit, then the future of the team has to be brought into question, especially when they’re not regularly challenging at the front of the grid.
While working with Mercedes might help them in the short term, individuals and groups outside of F1 might see an opportunity to bid for Alpine if they think their commitment to the sport is waning.
Alpine future in F1 has to be questioned if Renault pull the plug on power unit
Journalist Bryn Lucas, talking about the engine situation, said: “It’s one of these things that if Alpine [Renault] drop out then the minimum number goes up and therefore Mercedes could in theory be supplying four teams including themselves for 2026 which would be a coup for them, they’d be making a nice return on that I’m sure.
“So, the thought process is Honda or Mercedes if Alpine do decide to go down this route.”
Hunt replied: “I think that’s probably the logical choice yeah.
“There’s a little bit of unknown over Red Bull’s engine department, at least you’ve got a known quantity in Honda and definitely Mercedes.
“So I think Mercedes would be their preferred choice. We know from history that they work very hard and their engine division is obviously very up to speed.
“We saw what happened with the change of regulations last time, so it makes a lot of sense for them to go down that route.”
Alex Albon has explained that having a Mercedes power unit was one of the reasons he decided to stay at Williams.
Aston Martin are unlikely to want Honda working with any other team as they seek an advantage over their rivals for 2026.
Red Bull’s Ford-supported power unit and Audi’s new engine will both be entering F1 for the first time under the new regulations which would make buying either engine a risky move for Renault.
They could make a bid to use Ferrari’s power units like Haas do, but at this stage, Mercedes looks like the engine to have.
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