BREAKING: Renault finally reach decision over F1 engine programme

Renault has decided to close its works engine programme at Viry from 2026, meaning Alpine will revert to customer engine status. 

The closing of Renault's F1 power unit programme has been under evaluation for the past few months, with employees launching a protest at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza against the closure. 

Renault see the closure of the programme, which was launched when it first entered F1 in the turbo era in 1977 as a way to boost the competitiveness of the Alpine team - the only squad currently using the power unit.

This is despite employees reporting positive early data from the developmental 2026 F1 power unit, which will feature beefed-up electrical systems. 

With the planned closure of the F1 programme, the team is to become the first in the turbo hybrid era to give up full works status and revert to a customer supply. 

All employees affected will be offered a position within a newly launched 'Hypertech Alpine' project at Viry. 

This "centre of excellence in engineering" will be launched by late 2024 and continue the presence in motorsport, including the Alpine supercar, research and development in battery and electric technology and the implementation of an F1 monitoring unit "to master technical developments".

Alpine's WEC and Dakar programmes remain unaffected.

Renault to end F1 engine programme

Following the consultation process with employees at Viry, Alpine has opted to establish an "F1 monitoring unit."

It will aim to maintain employees "knowledge and skills in this sport and remain at the forefront of innovation for Hypertech Alpine's various projects."

The production of F1 power units will continue until the end of 2025 with the site being transformed into a "centre of engineering and high-tech excellence."

"Creating this Hypertech Alpine centre is key to Alpine's development strategy and, more broadly, to the Group's innovation strategy," explained Alpine CEO Phillippe Krief. 

"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 'innovation garage'. 

"Its racing DNA remains a cornerstone of the brand. It will continue to fuel an unprecedented industrial and automotive project, thanks particularly to Hypertech Alpine."

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