Audi Secures Alpine F1 Engine Partner, Mecachrome

News from Motorsport Week shares that Audi has secured a key technical partner for its 2026 Formula 1 entry, announcing a collaboration with Mecachrome—the longtime supplier of components for Alpine’s F1 engines. With Alpine shifting to a customer engine deal with Mercedes, Mecachrome was left seeking a new direction, and Audi’s F1 ambitions provided the perfect opportunity.

The French engineering firm, which has contributed to top-tier motorsport series including Formula 2 and the World Endurance Championship, now turns its attention to Audi’s in-house F1 power unit project. Development is underway at Audi’s facility in Neuburg, where the German automaker is building its first-ever Grand Prix engine.

Mecachrome CEO Christian Cornille acknowledged the disruption caused by Alpine’s exit but noted that the new alliance with Audi offers a fresh beginning for the company’s high-performance engine team. “These decisions had a real impact on our staff,” Cornille said, “but we are excited to be part of Audi’s future in Formula 1.”

The move strengthens Audi’s preparations to take over the Sauber team and enter the grid with a factory effort in 2026. With seasoned driver Nico Hülkenberg already visiting the Neuburg facility and praising the team’s progress, Audi’s F1 vision is quickly becoming reality.