Alpine is still evaluating its "options" for 2026 after Renault, its parent company, decided to end its factory Formula 1 engine project for that season and beyond.
The Enstone-based team will continue to use works Renault power units in 2025, but from 2026 onward, the cars will rely on engines from an external supplier as the new regulations era begins.
New Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes shared that the decision to discontinue the Viry-Chatillon engine project was largely made before he took over.
"I was only involved at the end of the process, but (Renault CEO) Luca (de Meo) was clear about the reasons that led to the direction we took and I supported it. It was the right choice," he explained to AFP news agency at the Brazilian GP.
"The subject touches me because we have a long history together, which will continue until the end of next season, but it is a decision that makes sense when you remove the emotion and look at it from a pragmatic point of view," added the 36-year-old Briton.
Alpine is reportedly well into discussions over a customer engine deal with Mercedes for 2026 and beyond.
However, Oakes stated: "We are still studying this issue. A decision will be made next month for an announcement before the end of the season.
"We are currently studying some options. There is no rush," he clarified.
When asked about Mercedes being the likely choice, Oakes responded: "There has been a lot of media talk about it, but there are a lot of options.
"2026 will see the arrival of new engine regulations in particular, so there are a lot of things to consider in this choice."
This year has been dire for Alpine, resulting in leadership changes, with Bruno Famin stepping aside, Flavio Briatore joining as executive advisor, and Oakes taking over as team principal.
Currently, the team sits near the bottom of the constructors' standings.
"We have to do better next year but we also know that we will still be limited," Oakes admits. "We won't be able to fix everything in one winter, although we will also try to do that.
"We have started to see that we can develop the car. We are now managing to reach Q3," he noted.
"A lot of media talk about instability, but I don't agree. The big change happened last summer because the team was not going in the right direction. Bruno came in to help stabilise the team, giving Luca time to define the strategy.
"Obviously, in F1, you don't like change, but this team is great and it always has been. It has had some difficult years, but we haven't forgotten how to make a good car, or how to race."
