Alpine is set to abandon its in-house power unit operation in favour of a switch to Mercedes power from 2026. It follows several months of speculation from the French outfit that it was set to scrap its 2026 engine plans, in a bid to cut costs amid losses in their car division. F1 veteran Flavio Briatore joined Alpine in an advisory role in May and there have been several big changes ever since, including the decision to part ways with Esteban Ocon after their partnership reached its natural end. Reserve driver Jack Doohan is set to graduate to a full-time seat with the team, while former Hite…