Alpine’s A526 Roars to Life: Mercedes Engine Fires Up at Enstone for the First Time
Alpine has officially entered a new era in Formula One, with the team’s 2026 challenger firing up for the first time at its Enstone facility, marking a historic departure from Renault power.
A New Chapter Begins
The team shared footage of the engine fire-up on social media, accompanied by the message « A new era. A526 is alive. » The audio clip provided fans with their first taste of the Mercedes-HPP power unit that will propel Alpine into Formula One’s most significant technical revolution since the hybrid era began in 2014.
This marks a historic departure for the Enstone facility, which has been synonymous with Renault power for decades. The A526 becomes the first car built at the British headquarters not powered by a Renault engine, ending an association that stretches back through Formula One history.
From Renault to Mercedes
The switch to Mercedes power units follows Renault’s decision in late 2024 to cease its engine manufacturing program at the Viry-Châtillon facility. Under the leadership of Luca de Meo and Flavio Briatore, Alpine opted to sacrifice its in-house 2026 engine project in favor of a customer partnership with Mercedes.
The decision came after a particularly difficult 2025 season that saw Alpine finish last in the Constructors’ Championship. Rather than continue struggling with an underperforming package, the team made the strategic choice to focus its resources on developing the 2026 car with proven Mercedes technology.
The 2026 Technical Revolution
The timing of this engine switch coincides with Formula One’s most comprehensive technical overhaul in over a decade. The 2026 regulations introduce fundamental changes to power unit design:
2026 Power Unit Changes
- 50-50 power split between internal combustion engine and electrical systems
- Elimination of the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit-Heat), simplifying the hybrid system
- Tripled electrical power from approximately 120 kW to 350 kW
- Mandatory sustainable fuels to support Formula One’s environmental goals
- Reduced fuel flow requiring maximum efficiency from the combustion engine
Mercedes has designed its 2026 power unit specifically for these new regulations, with no components carried over from current engines. The German manufacturer’s extensive experience with hybrid technology and its role in shaping the 2026 technical rules position it as a potential leader when the new era begins.
Driver Optimism
Pierre Gasly, who will continue with Alpine alongside new teammate Franco Colapinto in 2026, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership.
« We open a new chapter with Mercedes, and obviously, looking at their CV, how many times they’ve been Champions – I’m sure it’s going to be a great adventure. From what I’m hearing, the engine is in a great place. »Pierre Gasly
Gasly acknowledged the team’s strategic decision to sacrifice the 2025 season for a stronger 2026 start: « We made tactical sacrifices on 2025 to reward all of us by starting on the right foot from 2026 onwards. »
Launch Plans and Testing
Alpine will officially unveil the A526’s livery at a season launch event
The car is expected to hit the track for the first time during pre-season testing
The team joins Aston Martin in releasing fire-up videos ahead of the 2026 season, building anticipation for what promises to be one of Formula One’s most unpredictable campaigns. With all teams developing cars to radically different regulations, the competitive order remains a mystery.
High Stakes for Enstone
The switch to Mercedes power eliminates a long-standing excuse for Alpine’s performance struggles. With the same engine as championship-winning teams McLaren and Mercedes, Alpine will be judged purely on its chassis development, aerodynamics, and operational execution.
This creates both pressure and opportunity. If Alpine succeeds, it validates the controversial decision to abandon its manufacturer status. If the team continues to struggle, questions will inevitably arise about the overall competitiveness of the Enstone operation.
The 2026 season represents Alpine’s best chance to reset after a difficult period. Early preparation, focused development, and proven power units provide a foundation. Whether that translates to competitive success will be determined when the cars hit the track in testing and racing.
Looking Ahead
As Alpine prepares to unveil its 2026 challenger, optimism tempers the reality of Formula One’s intense competition. Three other teams will use the same Mercedes power units, with McLaren and Mercedes themselves expected to deliver strong overall packages.
The A526’s first fire-up represents a symbolic milestone—a clean break from a difficult past and a commitment to a new technical direction. How that translates into lap time and championship points will define whether Alpine’s bold gamble pays off.
For now, the sound of a Mercedes engine echoing through Enstone after more than a decade signals that Formula One’s established order may be about to change. Whether Alpine can capitalize on that opportunity remains the season’s most intriguing question.