Renault will pull the plug on its Formula 1 engine operations ahead of the new rules era in 2026.
Following months of speculation about the future of the French manufacturer, with Alpine having long been in talks with Mercedes for a customer power unit deal, the fate of its operations was finally announced on Monday.
In a statement it was revealed that the company’s F1 engine factory at Viry-Chatillon near Paris would be transformed into an engineering centre to help contribute to cutting-edge technology of future Renault and Alpine cars.
That would be as a consequence of Renault abandoning work on its 2026 F1 engines.
The statement said that Viry would, however, continue its effort to supply the current turbo-hybrid engine to Alpine until the end of next season.
“Formula 1 activities at Viry, excluding the development of a new engine, will continue until the end of the 2025 season,” said the statement.
Alpine protestors from Viry-Chatillon
Photo by: Anaël Bernier – Horizons Multiples
The alternative projects that have been marked out for Viry include the development of a future Alpine Supercar, work on future battery technology and R&D on electric motor technologies.
Viry would also continue to contribute to Renault’s other motorsport activities, including Alpine’s World Endurance Championship programme, as well as customer projects, plus Formula E and Rally-Raid efforts for partner brands.
Despite abandoning its F1 engine, Alpine has said it would keep monitoring developments in grand prix racing.
The statement added: “Following the consultation process and dialogue with the employee representatives at Viry-Châtillon, Alpine has decided to establish an F1 monitoring unit.
“This unit will aim to maintain employees’ knowledge and skills in this sport and remain at the forefront of innovation for Hypertech Alpine’s various projects.”
Alpine has insisted that all current staff at Viry would be guaranteed jobs going forward.
Philippe Krief, Alpine CEO, said: “Creating this Hypertech Alpine centre is key to Alpine’s development strategy and, more broadly, to the Group’s innovation strategy.
Pierre Gasly, Alpine A524
Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
“It is a turning point in the history of the Viry-Châtillon site, which will ensure the continuity of a savoir-faire and the inclusion of its rare skills in the Group’s ambitious future while strengthening Alpine’s position as an…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Autosport.com – Formula 1 – Stories…