Alpine address major F1 team change ahead of new era

Alpine racing director Dave Greenwood has downplayed the challenge of integrating itself with Mercedes as it commences a new partnership.

In 2024, Alpine confirmed it would cease its power unit programme ahead of the sport's new era under fresh technical regulations.

It struck a deal with Mercedes, who will also supply its works team, reigning champions McLaren and a resurging Williams squad.

Renault has supplied its own team with engines since the early 1980s but has committed to a major change this year by becoming a customer team.

Greenwood, however, has insisted there have been no concerns over the union of both outfits.

“At the end of the day, probably the difference is more the actual architecture of the engine that's changing,” he said.

“In terms of working with the people, it’s a fairly normal thing for us.

“In terms of the power unit people, [they] want to do the same things and are involved in the same sort of things between any company.

“Some different faces but other than that, I think it's fairly easy, honestly.”

Alpine enter the year looking to improve on a disappointing F1 campaign in 2025.

Having opted early on to switch its focus to 2026, it struggled for pace throughout the year and ended the year last in the constructors' championship.