Renault has confirmed that it will cease producing power units for Formula 1 under the new regulations set to take effect in 2026. This decision marks a significant shift in the company’s long-standing involvement in the sport.
Alpine, Renault’s works F1 team, will need a new engine supplier for the 2026 season. The team is reportedly in talks with Mercedes to secure power units as a customer.
Viry-Châtillon Facility to Focus on New Technologies
Renault’s F1 engine development site at Viry-Chatillon will transition into a hub for other automotive technologies. Renamed “Hypertech Alpine,” this engineering center will begin operations later this year, focusing on various projects such as the development of a future Alpine supercar, research into electric motors and battery technologies, and supporting other motorsport programs, including WEC. Additionally, a dedicated F1 monitoring unit will be established to track technical developments within the sport.
Alpine CEO Philippe Krief called this change a “turning point in the history of the Viry-Châtillon site” and reaffirmed that the brand’s racing DNA remains a core element of its identity.
Renault’s 50-Year Legacy in F1
Renault has been a key player in Formula 1 for much of the past 50 years, building engines for various teams. However, since the introduction of the current V6 hybrid turbo regulations in 2014, the manufacturer has struggled to keep pace with rivals like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Honda (now Honda RBPT). The freezing of engine specifications in 2022 left Alpine at a competitive disadvantage.
After months of speculation, Renault’s engine program’s future has finally been clarified. Despite efforts by workers at Viry-Chatillon to persuade the company not to scale back its F1 involvement, the decision to move forward with the changes has been made.
Conclusion
Renault’s decision to stop producing F1 engines marks a major shift in the company’s motorsport strategy. However, this move is part of a broader plan to strengthen the Alpine brand in both the automotive and motorsport sectors, with innovative projects led by the Hypertech Alpine facility set to shape the future.