As he had anticipated Bruno Famin after the farewell, Alpine has decided to end its long tradition of producing its own engines in Formula 1 from 2026: the French team, owned by the Renault Group, has announced that it will become a customer team, relying on an external supplier for its power units. This is a historic choice that puts an end to decades of "home-made" engines. A decision that marks the closure of the F1 programme at the Viry-Châtillon plant, which has always been the beating heart of Renault engine production.
The end of an era for Renault engines
For Alpine, abandoning Renault engines represents a turning point. The team, which has won 1977 constructors' world titles and 12 drivers' titles with its engines since 11, is now forced to look beyond. The historic Viry-Châtillon factory, which has produced some of the most successful engines in the history of Formula 1, will no longer produce power units for Alpine single-seaters from 2026.
The move comes after years of performance issues for the French power unit, which has struggled to compete with rivals, and without a customer team it could rely on to help accelerate development. The abandonment of the engine program in Formula 1 therefore puts an end to a tradition that for decades has marked the presence of the Renault brand in the Circus.
Viry-Châtillon: the uncertain future of the plant
With the decision to no longer produce engines for Formula 1, the future of the Viry-Châtillon plant appears uncertain. According to reports Motorsport.com the site, which employs around 360 workers, will be transformed into a research centre for the development of hybrid and electric technologies. But also for the production of engines for endurance competitions, such as the WEC. Alpine also specified that the closure of the F1 program will not lead to a reduction in activities and an impact on employment. And that indeed, all current Viry staff will be guaranteed a job.
In recent months, workers' representatives at Viry-Châtillon have tried to counter this decision, proposing alternative solutions that would guarantee the continuity of power unit production for 2026, the year in which the technical regulations of Formula 1 will undergo a significant change. However, these proposals were not enough to convince the top management of the Renault Group.
Mercedes, the main candidate
With the farewell to Renault engines, Alpine is preparing to become a customer team. Mercedes seems to be the main candidate for the supply of power units starting from 2026. Although the agreement has not yet been made official, the partnership with Mercedes would guarantee Alpine a competitive, reliable and track-tested engine. Allowing the team to focus on improving other areas of the car.
The possible agreement between Alpine and Mercedes would be interesting from a strategic point of view, considering that the two car manufacturers have collaborated in the past, even if not in the sporting field. This type of collaboration could guarantee Alpine a return to the top positions after years of difficulties related to the less than exciting performance of the Renault power unit.
The reasons behind the choice
The decision to abandon its own engines was not taken lightly. The Renault Group has carefully evaluated the costs associated with the development of a new power unit. Also in view of the regulatory changes planned for 2026. Concluding that the investment required would have been too high. With an estimated saving of around 120 million euros per year compared to current costs, purchasing a power unit from another manufacturer seems to be the most advantageous solution.
Luca de Meo, CEO of the Renault Group, tried to reassure the Alpine team's employees, stressing that the decision taken does not compromise the future of the Formula 1 team. On the contrary, it aims to make it more competitive in an increasingly complex and expensive environment. However, this choice marks the end of an era for Renault and poses new challenges for the future.
Source: Motorsport.com
