Ferrari, Mercedes and Alpine are the only three out-and-out manufacturer teams on the Formula 1 grid. They build their own engines and their own chassis in-house. Alpine are about to relinquish that status as they shut down their F1 engine operation at Viry. Luca de Meo has struck a deal with Mercedes ahead of the 2026 regulation changes. Cadillac have acquired the IP of Alpine’s engine as they try to join the sport with Andretti. That should help convince the teams that they will be competitive. Current constructors’ championship leaders McLaren are a customer of Mercedes and have been since …
