Formula 1 Engine Supply Rules in Focus as Alpine’s Future Remains Uncertain
The 2026 Formula 1 season is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the sport, with Alpine’s potential shift to a customer team sparking intrigue surrounding the engine supply rules. Should Renault decide to shut down its F1 engine project, Alpine would need to secure a supply from another manufacturer, which might prove challenging given the current state of team commitments.
However, as part of Formula 1’s regulatory framework, there is a safety net in place to ensure Alpine doesn’t get left without a power unit deal. According to the 2026 power unit technical regulations, a manufacturer will be guaranteed to supply a team by May 15, 2026, if no deal is in place. This is contingent on the minimum number of teams that a manufacturer may be called upon by the FIA to supply.
The Formula to Determine Manufacturer Obligations
The formula to determine this is laid out in the regulations, where ‘T’ represents the minimum number of teams a manufacturer must be willing to supply. This number is calculated based on the total number of competitors, manufacturers, and new manufacturers entering the sport.
In the event of Renault’s withdrawal, leaving five manufacturers (Audi, Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda, and Red Bull), the formula would dictate that a manufacturer must be willing to supply up to three teams. Currently, Mercedes is the only manufacturer fulfilling this requirement, supplying its own works team, McLaren, and Williams.
Selecting a Manufacturer to Supply a Team without a Deal
The rules stipulate that in selecting a manufacturer to supply a team without a deal, the first one chosen will be the one supplying the fewest competitors. For 2026, this would leave Audi and Honda as the only manufacturers delivering engines to one team. However, a clause in the regulations exempts new manufacturers, like Audi, from this obligation, leaving Honda to potentially sort out a customer deal alongside its current works arrangement with Aston Martin.
Possibility of Mercedes Supplying Alpine
Interestingly, the possibility of Mercedes supplying Alpine in 2026 exists, despite being at maximum capacity according to the regulations. As part of the future engine rules, a limit has been set on the number of teams that can be supplied by each manufacturer. Should Renault withdraw, the T formula would allow Mercedes to supply up to four teams if it desired.
The fate of Alpine and Renault remains uncertain, with both financial and competitive implications weighing heavily on their decision. As the 2026 season draws near, all eyes will be on these two entities to see what path they choose to take. The Formula 1 engine supply rules, which have been overshadowed by the sport’s on-track action, are now firmly in the spotlight.
🔗 Source