Renault rival hits out at plan to scrap F1 engine

Renault's plan to scrap its in-house F1 engine from 2026 has come under fire from fellow manufacturer Mecachrome. 

Renault announced last week that it would not produce a power unit for the all-new regulations that come into force in '26 which will feature improved electrical systems.

A prototype unit had been on the test bench at the Viry-Châtillon base, which will be restructured to focus on developing battery and electric technology - although a specialised group will continue to monitor F1.

It means Alpine will revert to customer status - likely Mercedes - for 2026, with space opening up due to Aston Martin teaming up with Honda.

As for Renault's decision, Mecachrome, which supplies engines to F2 and F3, is far from happy. 

"There is a shutdown [of the 2026 engine project]," trade union delegate Stephane Carre told FranceBlue. "This means that the employees concerned will have to be redeployed. 

"Renault tried to take over the LMDh, the engine used in endurance racing at the Le Mans 24 Hours, for example. 

"They have also tried to take over the contract for F2 and F3. We are very worried about the future because this would have further repercussions."

Another representative, Maxime Sauve described the decision as devastating to Mecachrome. 

"We are a multi-activity plant," she said. "But Renault's decision is a major blow to our plant. It means one less activity, and reorganising the workshops will not necessarily be easy."