The Renault F1 engine programme is set to shutdown at the conclusion of the 2025 season with Alpine switching to Mercedes from 2026.
The announcement comes following months of speculation over the future of the French automotive giant with its Alpine F1 team currently in talks to switch to Mercedes engines starting in 2026.
Renault’s involvement in Formula 1 dates back to 1977, when it introduced the first turbocharged engine to the sport and over the years the manufacturer has established itself as one of the most successful engine manufacturers in F1 history, securing several championships with top teams such as Williams, Benetton, and Red Bull Racing.
The marque’s own team, Renault F1, also enjoyed success, notably winning back-to-back drivers’ and constructors’ championships with Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006.
However, the Renault F1 engine programme performance has been inconsistent since the introduction of hybrid power units in 2014, leading to the recent decision to withdraw from the sport’s engine manufacturing.
The Alpine F1 team, which rebranded from Renault in 2021, has struggled to make footing on the grid, finishing ninth in the constructors’ championship as of now, a stark contrast to its previous fourth-place finish in 2021.
In light of these struggles, Renault’s management, led by CEO Luca de Meo, has opted to pivot towards a customer engine model rather than continuing with their own development.
The Alpine F1 team has been in negotiations with Mercedes for a customer engine deal that is expected to provide a significant boost in performance starting in 2026. This partnership is seen as a strategic move to enhance Alpine’s competitiveness without incurring the high costs associated with developing their own engines.
The shift to Mercedes engines is anticipated to provide Alpine with access to one of the most powerful and reliable power units on the grid, which could dramatically improve their performance in future seasons.
The closure of the Renault F1 engine programme will also lead to changes at their facility in Viry-Châtillon, located near Paris which has been home to its engine operations for decades.
In its place, Renault plans to establish an engineering center focused on cutting-edge technologies related to electric motors and battery systems. This transition aligns with its broader strategy to invest heavily in electric vehicle technology and sustainable automotive solutions.
The new Hypertech Alpine Center will not only support future car development but also contribute to other motorsport initiatives such as Formula E and World Endurance Championship programs.
“As a result of the consultation process with the employee representatives, during which discussions were constructive and an independent assessment was conducted, Alpine’s management confirms its project to transform the site into a center of engineering and high-tech excellence by late 2024,” Alpine release said.
“Formula 1 activities at Viry, excluding the development of a new engine, will continue until the end of the 2025 season.”
Additionally, Alpine has insisted that all current staff at Viry would be guaranteed jobs going forward.
“Creating this Hypertech Alpine centre is key to Alpine’s development strategy and, more broadly, to the Group’s innovation strategy,” Alpine CEO Philippe Krief said.
“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.”
