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Can Alpine replicate McLaren’s Mercedes-fueled F1 resurgence, or is it wishful thinking?

David Castro by David Castro
January 20, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Alpine’s Double Podium Stuns F1: Team Rockets to Sixth Place, Sets Up Epic Midfield Showdown

Formula One F1 - Sao Paulo Grand Prix - Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Sao Paulo, Brazil - November 1, 2024 Alpine's Pierre Gasly during sprint qualifying REUTERS/Carla Carniel

Alpine has thrown down the gauntlet. Following McLaren’s electrifying 2024 constructors’ championship win powered by Mercedes engines, the Enstone-based team has officially joined the Mercedes fold, abandoning its own power unit project for the 2026 season. But will this bold move allow Alpine to emulate McLaren’s meteoric rise—or is it just wishful thinking?


McLaren’s Mercedes-powered dominance

McLaren’s return to prominence in 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. The team’s dynamic duo, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, delivered a season to remember. While Piastri’s rookie mistakes occasionally cost points, his two Grand Prix victories—including a critical win in Azerbaijan—pushed McLaren ahead of Red Bull mid-season.

Norris, meanwhile, epitomized consistency, capping the season with a flawless pole-to-victory performance in Abu Dhabi. These efforts secured McLaren its first constructors’ title since 1998, reigniting the brilliance of its historic partnership with Mercedes-Benz.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown praised the collaboration: “Mercedes-Benz have been a brilliant and reliable partner of the McLaren Formula 1 team… we have been successful together.”


Alpine’s big gamble

Inspired by McLaren’s success, Alpine has taken a radical step by scrapping its in-house power unit development at Viry-Châtillon. Instead, the team signed a deal with Mercedes, signaling its intent to finally break out of mediocrity.

Since Renault’s takeover in 2015, Alpine’s F1 journey has been underwhelming, marked by just three podium finishes. However, with F1’s new regulations requiring engines to achieve parity between electric power and sustainable fuel combustion, Alpine’s technical director David Sanchez is optimistic about a level playing field.

“Whether you’re a customer or works team, the engines have to perform the same,” Sanchez said. “You can be a customer team and be very good.”


Mercedes: The great equalizer?

Mercedes has doubled down on its commitment to empowering customer teams. With Toto Wolff at the helm, the German powerhouse is determined to elevate all its partners.

“It has been a cornerstone of our motorsport strategy to work with strong customer teams,” Wolff stated. “McLaren’s strong performances underline the importance of transparent and equal supply to all customer teams in the sport if we wish to achieve the goal of ten teams capable of fighting for podium finishes.”

Wolff’s vision aligns with F1’s push for a more competitive grid, and Alpine hopes to be the next beneficiary of Mercedes’ engineering prowess.


Challenges ahead for Alpine

While the move to Mercedes engines opens new possibilities, Alpine faces a steep climb to match McLaren’s 2024 heroics. McLaren’s resurgence was not just about the power unit; it was a result of exceptional teamwork, innovative aerodynamics, and two highly skilled drivers.

For Alpine, the task will be twofold: integrating the Mercedes engine into its car while developing a chassis and aerodynamic package capable of competing at the front. Moreover, consistency will be key—something McLaren mastered in 2024 with 20+ points scored in almost every race.


A dazzling future or another missed opportunity?

Alpine’s decision to join the Mercedes fold marks a bold step into F1’s new era. While McLaren has proven what’s possible with Mercedes power, Alpine must navigate its own path to success.

The Enstone outfit’s future hinges on whether it can maximize this partnership and deliver consistent results on the track. With the pressure of history and competition looming large, only time will tell if Alpine’s gamble pays off—or if it becomes another footnote in F1’s long history of missed opportunities.

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