Alpine’s Formula 1 engine factory at Viry-Châtillon is to be converted into an engineering center by the end of 2024
The Hypertech Alpine center will focus on multiple projects
The main projects outlined for the new center include the development of the upcoming <a href="https://www.automotivetestingtechnologyinternational.com/news/vehicle-testing/french-car-manufacturer-alpine-purchases-two-vi-grade-driving-simulators.html">Alpine</a> supercar and advancing battery technologies
This means the engineering center will be responsible for the Renault/Alpine’s sports cars short- to medium-term battery development
it will also carry out research and advanced engineering activities on the chemistry of ultra-high energy density cells
particularly solid-state battery technology
The center will also develop new electric motor technologies in collaboration with Ampere for the next generation of EVs
Alpine has stated that it will cease production of its Formula 1 engine by the end of 2025 but that other existing motorsport activities &#8211; <a href="https://www.automotivetestingtechnologyinternational.com/news/vehicle-development/alpine-a424-development-on-track-ahead-of-wec-homologation-deadline.html">WEC</a>
customer racing or Formula E and Rally-Raid for partner brands – will continue
The brand also stated that each employee affected by this transformation project will be proposed a new position within Alpine Hypertech
&#8220;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&#8217;s ambitious future while strengthening Alpine&#8217;s position as an &#8216;innovation garage&#8217;
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&#8221;
Alpine also announced that it has appointed Olivier Guintrand as VP of Alpine Cars Engineering
Adi is an engineering graduate whose heart was always set on motoring journalism
a career that began with Microsoft India as an automotive content editor for the Bing team
Adi helped the Bing Autos team set up in over 40 countries
editing and curating automotive content for different markets
He then briefly freelanced for a year before moving to the UK to pursue the coveted MA Automotive Journalism from Coventry University
Adi has already published over 1,000 articles across multiple titles
and is currently automotive web editor at UKi Media &amp; Events
publisher of Automotive Testing Technology International
Alpine have confirmed their Formula One works engine programme will be shut down at the end of 2025
The team’s Formula One programme is split across two factories – the chassis is constructed in Enstone
Engines have been designed and produced at the French base since the team entered Formula One in the 1977 season
This transition will see Viry-Chatillon fall under the ‘Hypertech Alpine’ plan
which seeks to create a centre of engineering excellence
Hypertech Alpine will focus on the development of the Alpine supercar
Viry-Chatillon will continue its involvement in motorsport through its existing entries in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC)
It will also retain an ‘F1 monitoring unit’
which will seek to ‘to maintain employees’ knowledge and skills in this sport and remain at the forefront of innovation for Hypertech Alpine’s various projects’
“Creating this Hypertech Alpine centre is key to Alpine’s development strategy and
to the Group’s innovation strategy,” said Philippe 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
This is the latest shakeup at the Alpine Formula One team
which includes the return of controversial former team boss Flavio Briatore as executive advisor
quickly replaced team principal Bruno Famin with Oliver Oakes
which followed a series of high-profile management changes prior to Briatore’s arrival
Alpine are yet to confirm their plans after their engine operations cease
but it is expected they will switch to a customer supply from Mercedes in 2026
this is a fall from grace for the once-successful manufacturer
Two drivers’ and constructors’ championships with Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006 were a particular highlight of the team’s time as a works outfit
Renault can count 12 constructors’ titles and 11 drivers’ championships among its achievements
the former of which can only be beaten by Formula One’s longest-serving team
the last of these constructors’ titles was with Red Bull in 2013
and it is well-known that the current Renault engine is the weakest on the grid
this decision comes down to the cost of producing a Formula One engine
something that cannot be justified with such poor on-track performances
But this highlights the shift in how Formula One is perceived
Purists will wonder how Renault can opt to put a rival’s engine in its cars
but the sheer marketing power of the series means it’s much more than a platform for a manufacturer to demonstrate its automotive pedigree
If an Alpine powered by a Mercedes engine starts challenging at the front in the near future
then casual fans will see the Alpine brand front and centre
Plus, after the team saw its <a href="https://www.blackbookmotorsport.com/news/alpine-f1-team-renault-group-financial-results-2023/">profits drop 70 per cent for the year ended 2023</a>
the focus can now shift to making Alpine a consistent revenue-generating machine
Already a member? <a class="login_modal_button" href="#">Log in here</a>
They denounce the abandonment of a historic heritage
despite the successful development of the RS26 A engine
They call on management to reverse this decision
fearing for the future of the plant and their jobs
© Alpine / Viry-Châtillon has been manufacturing Renault engines for decades.During the summer
tensions have arisen at the Renault factory in Viry-Châtillon
made the decision to stop production of engines for the Alpine team
Alpine is expected to become a customer team of Mercedes
In a statement shared shortly before the Dutch Grand Prix
Viry-Châtillon employees are protesting against the decision
A propulsion unit for 2026 that is already very efficient
For the employees of the Alpine factory in Viry-Châtillon
this decision amounts to denying the historical legacy of the manufacturing of Renault engines
It is expected to be official by September 30th and has sparked protests from the factory staff
it's 50 years of history that are about to end
Through a press release shared by Viry-Châtillon themselves
the teams are asking their president to reconsider this decision
If for the moment the breakup is not definite
has already undergone its first tests on the test benches last June
it has already reached the set goals for the early 2026 races
The power unit exceeds 400kW performance in the first hours of operation
offering a significant margin for chassis integration development
No critical reliability failure has been reported
seemed more pessimistic by denying the progress of Renault
the construction of the engine was not easy for the team
engineers had to face the different requirements of Alpine
A lack of freedom that Renault employees had to deal with to produce the engine group
the team has suffered from repeated intervention by the Group's management
imposing no less than four successive technical directions in Viry
This instability deprives the team of the long-term construction necessary for success in Formula 1
Renault has not yet commented on the subject
told the media that he had no idea about the decision regarding the Renault engine and that this decision belonged entirely to the president of the Renault group
highlights the misunderstanding regarding the choice of new engines
De Meo had told us that the soul of the Alpine brand must feed on its roots and that there was no question of cutting them
He assured us that money was not a problem and that only innovation mattered," they said
"We do not understand what justifies killing this elite entity that is the Viry-Châtillon site and betraying its legend and DNA by grafting a Mercedes heart into our Alpine F1."
While the statement highlights the absurdity of stopping the development of powertrains by Renault
With an impressive competitiveness in Formula 1
the departure of the company from the sport is definitive
the technological barrier will be too high to reconquer
and the initial investments too costly to consider a return to Formula 1
As the site transformation plan did not appeal
the teams are asking the management to reconsider their decision to halt production
« We cannot accept that Alpine and the Renault Group tarnish their images [those of the power units groups]
De Meo and his board of directors to reverse this decision," it read
« The men and women of Viry-Châtillon cannot endorse Renault's definitive halt of its F1 engine development program," it was stated
After the engines come to a halt within a year
the Viry-Châtillon factory should be reinvested in other sports disciplines in which Renault is already involved
While this may seem like a well-thought-out decision
it actually puts Formula 1 engineers in a delicate position
Many of them will end up in other departments that are already fully staffed
while other Formula 1 engine manufacturers like Red Bull Power Train with Ford or Audi are massively recruiting
the expertise of Renault engineers will be put to use within other teams
You already have an account? <a href="/connexion" rel="nofollow" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#connexion" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-primary badge-pill ml-2 text-nowrap" title="Logged me in">Logged me in</a>
A verification email will be sent before to publish your comment.
Never miss any breaking news thanks to the new Motors Inside newsletter. Receive important information instantly.
By signing in, you accept the placement of a cookie in your browser to stay logged. It will not be use to track you or for advertisement purposes.
Williams duo keen to &#x27;play with strategies&#x27; as they target strong result in Miami after impressive Qualifying
Cadillac unveil their team logo and brand during dazzling Miami launch event ahead of 2026 entry
STRATEGY GUIDE: What are the tactical options for the Miami Grand Prix
Verstappen vs Norris into Turn 1 and Antonelli after redemption – What To Watch For in the Miami Grand Prix
What the teams said – Sprint day and Qualifying in Miami
Alpine boss Oliver Oakes has given an insight into the company’s decision to cease operations in their power unit department at Viry-Chatillon
as well as setting out a timeline in terms of finding a new engine supplier
With Alpine’s F1 programme currently split across two factories – the chassis-focused division in Enstone in the UK, and the engine-focused division in Viry-Chatillon, France – it was confirmed at the end of September that Viry-Chatillon <a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/alpine-confirm-they-are-to-shut-down-works-engine-programme-at-the-end-of.2Bcubn03U8oaIOMFVggZDl" node="[object Object]">will no longer produce power units post-2025</a>
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/analysis-what-next-for-alpine-after-renault-announce-the-end-of-f1-works.5eyvaNFBO9qk70mbXuUMIE" node="[object Object]">ANALYSIS: What next for Alpine after Renault announce the end of F1 works engine programme?</a>
Enstone will become the main base for Alpine’s Formula 1 activity
including a new engine supply arrangement – yet to be announced – for 2026
During the United States Grand Prix weekend
Oakes – who joined the squad as Team Principal in August following the departure of Bruno Famin – was asked about the decision to close the engine programme
as well as being quizzed on what the timeline looks like for agreeing a deal with a new supplier
Oakes joined Alpine after the summer break as their new Team Principal
it was a decision made at group level which I think had been going on for some time
before I joined the team,” Oakes explained
but I think the crux [is] of wanting the best engine in the car and evaluating what the best option is for the team
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/frustrated-gasly-rues-race-where-he-just-went-backwards-as-ocon-is-left.1W3pnVLF0xeUmQauyJeeIo" node="[object Object]">READ MORE: Frustrated Gasly rues race where he ‘just went backwards’ as Ocon is left hoping for upgrades in Mexico</a>
I’m pretty sure we’ll have some news before the end of the year to share with everybody
But at the moment that’s still an ongoing topic.”
Reflecting on his first few months in the job
obviously [with] the run of races straight in after the shutdown
New boss Oliver Oakes gives update on Alpine’s PU plans after ‘intense’ start at the team
Alpine currently sit in ninth place of the constructors’ standings on 13 points, four points adrift of Williams in eighth. While the team have five races remaining with their current pairing of Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, 2025 will see <a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/breaking-jack-doohan-promoted-to-f1-for-2025-as-alpine-confirm-he-will-partner.5evE7WYf8EMU8XdSeVi2lp" node="[object Object]">reserve driver Jack Doohan step up</a> to replace the Haas-bound Ocon
The line-up of Gasly and Doohan is one that Oakes is excited about
with the Briton pointing to the mixture of “youth and experience” that it brings
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/its-always-been-about-racing-i-dont-know-anything-else-f1s-newest-team-boss.7qel42rtdGgWY72EfDVVDC" node="[object Object]">READ MORE: ’It’s always been about racing, I don’t know anything else’ – F1&#x27;s newest team boss Oli Oakes on getting Alpine back on track</a>
it’s really exciting all the young talent coming in,” said Oakes
who previously founded the Hitech Grand Prix team that competes in Formula 2 and Formula 3
“Obviously I’ve seen a lot of that through my other job before
I feel like we’ve got a good line-up with Pierre staying on
Jack coming in as some fresh blood as well
and I’m looking forward to that because I think that is what’s exciting about F1 today
that mix of youth and experience and that will be really good to see.”
VideoMUST-SEE: Leclerc collides with the wall ahead of Miami Sprint in wet conditions
‘I didn’t deliver’ – Norris laments struggle to maximise McLaren’s performance in Miami
VideoWATCH: Ride onboard with Verstappen for his mighty pole lap in Miami
© 2003-2025 Formula One World Championship Limited
► Alpine will stop making its own engines at the end of 2025► Caps off a difficult hybrid era► Most rumours suggest a Mercedes deal in 2026
Alpine is winding down its F1 engine program
with the company set to stop developing F1 powertrains at its Viry-Châtillon facility
the site will become Hypertech Alpine; a new centre for innovation and R&D
Resources and employees will be redistributed as part of the transformation
and the team will continue to make the current Alpine engine until the end of 2025 – it just won’t develop one for the forthcoming 2026 rules
The news comes after months of speculation
Most believe it’ll result in an engine deal with Mercedes from 2026 onwards to coincide with new engine rules
that would mean Alpine cars would be powered by a different brand
which seems confusing from a marketing point of view…
‘Creating this Hypertech Alpine centre is key to Alpine’s development strategy and
to the Group’s innovation strategy,’ said Alpine CEO Philippe 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
The team has been struggling as of late; it sits 9th of ten teams in the constructors’ championship – and is by far the worst performing works team with just 13 points
It’s possible management has suggested the team concentrate on the chassis side instead
creating a competitive powertrain in F1 isn’t easy
And creating your own isn’t essential for winning either
as McLaren’s recent success with a Mercedes engine proves
but the writing has been on the wall for a while: paddock sources have claimed the Alpine/Renault engine is down on both power and reliability compared to the others
Alpine has also been unable to benefit from using data from multiple teams in the way that Mercedes
McLaren and Williams in addition to its own cars – eight in total
but is instead rebranding it as Hypertech Alpine
According to today’s release it’ll ‘bring together some of the best talent in the world to contribute to the development of ultra-high-performance vehicles and innovations in cutting-edge technologies
Battery and electric motor technology sit at the top of the list
but the centre will also contribute to the development of a new Alpine supercar
It’ll also play a role in other motorsport programs such as the WEC
but it will continue to monitor the sport at least: ‘Formula 1 activities at Viry
will continue until the end of the 2025 season,’ the release goes on to say
Alpine also says the Hypertech facility will be concentrating on ‘the development of engineering services for other companies,’ something we’ve seen teams such as McLaren do with great success
Alpine is keen to stress that this won’t result in job cuts
The release says that ‘each employee affected by this transformation project will be proposed a new position within Alpine Hypertech.’ It’s a way of keeping experience
Curtis Moldrich is CAR magazine’s Digital Editor and has worked for the brand for the past five years
social media channels such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook
and helps on wider platform strategy as CAR magazine branches out on to Apple News+ and more
Île-de-France is brimming with amazing places that make up its exceptional heritage. In the four corners of the Ile-de-France region, sometimes little-known treasures surprise seasoned explorers eager to discover its secret nuggets. And in <a href="/en/what-to-visit-in-paris/walks/guides/277781-what-to-do-in-essonne-91-heritage-good-addresses-and-activities-ideas-for-outings">Essonne</a>, in the<a href="https://viry-chatillon.fr/" target="_blank"> town of Viry-Châtillon</a>
you'll find just such a mysterious place that should attract the curiosity of lovers of fine discoveries
an astonishing shell grotto listed as a historic monument
It is one of the few remaining vestiges of this type of decoration
which was very much in vogue during the reign of Louis XIV
the Nymphaeum was originally a grotto or fountain used as a sanctuary for nymphs
The Italian Renaissance saw the return of an aesthetic inspired by Antiquity
and this is how these prized decorative elements found their way into many fields
The Nymphée Nymphée on the Piedefer estate is an exceptionally well-preserved example of this trend
Its vaulted hall is believed to have been built between 1674 and 1692
It features a mosaic of shells and rocailles
The work is attributed to Michel Poncet de la Rivière
bishop of Usés and brother of Madame Despinville
It would have taken him some twenty years to complete the decoration
<a href="https://bit.ly/referencersap" target="_blank">Refer your establishment, click here</a><a href="https://bit.ly/communicationsap" target="_blank">Promote your event, click here</a>
Get quick access to your favorite articles
Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers
Make your voice heard with article commenting
the employees of Renault's under-threat Formula 1 engine programme are making their voices heard at the Italian Grand Prix
Renault chief Luca de Meo is currently working through plans to abandon the brand's long-time F1 engine programme in France's Viry-Chatillon and switch to <a href="https://www.autosport.com/team/mercedes/36495/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mercedes</a> customer engines for its Alpine-branded works team instead
If confirmed, the decision would mean the end of a 47-year-long era of Renault engines roaring on the F1 grid. Since 1979, its involvement resulted in 178 grand prix wins&nbsp;– including nine under the TAG Heuer name&nbsp;– as the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history, having powered the likes of <a href="https://www.autosport.com/team/williams/36474/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Williams</a>
staff at Renault’s factories at Viry-Chatillon and Enstone were&nbsp;informed of an evaluation study to plot a "transformation project"&nbsp;for its engine division&nbsp;away from its current F1 activities
and ever since the 334 employees of the engine division in France have been anxiously awaiting their future course
disagreeing with any decision that takes Viry away from F1
To make their voices heard to the wider public
100 staff members&nbsp;– who are part of the company's Social and Economic Council (CSE)&nbsp;– travelled to the Italian Grand Prix and unfurled banners on two parts of Monza's main straight grandstands
The CSE announced “a large majority” of Renault’s engine staff at Viry-Chatillon would also go on strike simultaneously and express its discontent “in a respectful but determined atmosphere”
At the start of FP1, the two groups of 50 employees all stood up to display their banners, but nevertheless&nbsp;applauded both <a href="https://www.autosport.com/team/alpine/39174/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alpine</a> drivers <a href="https://www.autosport.com/driver/esteban-ocon/840488/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Esteban Ocon</a> and <a href="https://www.autosport.com/driver/pierre-gasly/840483/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pierre Gasly</a> as they headed out on track
A deadline on the decision looms on 30 September and the staff involved are hoping it is not too late for De Meo to have a change of heart and continue Viry's long-standing F1 legacy
"The aim of coming today is to be heard," Clement Gamberoni
an engineer managing the squad's turbocharger department at Viry
tells Autosport.&nbsp;"We have the feeling that we are not heard enough and are not putting our voice out publicly
Photo by: Anaël Bernier - Horizons Multiples
We are very proud of being in F1 and of having the car with our engine running on the track
"But what we want is not to be against anything
And we want to bring arguments to change our boss' mind
And if it's not heard until the 30th of September
"We are fully supporting the engine for 2026
But we think that Viry has a real purpose with F1
Messaging on the banners urges Renault to "save 50 years of French Formula 1" involvement and lists all the world championships won by a Renault engine
But with a part of the blame for Alpine's lack of performance swung at its current power units
that last world title having come 11 years ago is part of the reason why De Meo is looking to do things differently
there are plenty of rumours swirling about the state of Alpine's crucial 2026 engines as Renault tries to justify the investment in an in-house programme when a Mercedes supply is on the table
But Gamberoni is adamant that Renault's 2026 power units are on the right track and that it would be unfair to pull the plug now
"The topic of today is that Luca De Meo can maybe change his mind to understand the arguments that we have
see the proof that we can have already on the engine running on the dyno for 2026," he pleads
We have people around us who know what the other teams are doing
but we know that we are technologically disruptive with the engine
and we want to bring that to the track because I think it can be one of the best or the best."
"We have taken risks and we have delivered
We have a maturity that we did not have 10 years ago and we have [had] that continuity of work in F1 since the hybrid era
And now we are at a level where we know we can deliver
"And we have equal weapons now with the cost cap
But Viry-Chatillon is more than a production facility for a batch of F1 engines
It is part of the fabric of France's automotive industry and racing heritage
fabric that Viry feels is going to be ripped to shreds even if Renault has promised to redeploy the facility and its entire staff on other non-F1-related projects
"We are aware of the statements from Renault's&nbsp;top management that there'll be no loss of jobs for the people at Viry," Gamberoni acknowledges
There is also one side where we have a lot of contractors working at Viry
they will not have a job by the end of the year
And also all our network of suppliers who are working in F1 will have a lot of loss of projects
"And also we do believe in Viry's involvement in F1
technologies - means attractiveness&nbsp;– and also it keeps us at the top every day
Because we have competitors who never sleep
we need to be at the top to be able to fight in Formula 1
"If we want to do other projects for the Alpine brand as well
Gamberoni and his colleagues appeared in good spirits as they followed Alpine's proceedings at Monza in free practice
but admitted uncertainty over their crown jewel programme had hit morale at the plant hard in recent weeks
"We had the announcement [of Renault exploring alternative options] at the end of July
I won't say that we are working at full capacity right now because the social environment is quite tricky at Viry
and saying that our engine will not run on the F1 grid in 2026 is really difficult.&nbsp;But still
people are working because they want to see the results of the hard work they have done."
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport
In order to keep delivering our expert journalism
we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker
Alpine parent company Renault has been slammed for its &#8220;betrayal&#8221; of staff working at its Viry-Chatillon engine headquarters
With the workforce at Renault&#8217;s Viry-Chatillon factory in France being informed of a decision to change focus on its activities and withdraw from an F1 power unit manufacturing programme
a staff representative has spoken of the levels of &#8220;betrayal&#8221; that has been felt within the ranks
Following months of speculation about the future of Alpine&#8217;s power unit supply and what may happen to the Renault Group&#8217;s engine manufacturing programme
Alpine F1 team boss and vice-president of motorsport Bruno Famin confirmed the intent to pull the plug on its F1 activities and take on a customer engine supply from 2026
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Famin confirmed his own departure from leading the <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/tag/alpine">Alpine</a> F1 team in order to head up a transformative process at Viry as the factory embarks on activities more pertinent to Groupe Renault as a whole
Famin confirmed that a proposal has been issued to the staff representative at Viry-Chatillon with the intention of reassigning the staff
meaning the withdrawal of Renault as a power unit manufacturer from F1
the project is not the power unit,” Famin told media including PlanetF1.com
“The project is much much bigger than that
It’s a transformation project at the level of the Alpine brand
“Alpine is developing as a huge project of development with seven new models in the coming years with high-end technology
It’s very ambitious to build this new sporting brand and to make it known outside of France everywhere in the world
to the staff representative in Viry-Chatillon is to reallocate the resources from one side to another – one side being the development of the Formula 1 power unit
which is already being made in Viry – to dedicate those resources and skills to developing new technologies for the new products of the brand
would be for the Alpine F1 team to buy a power unit instead of developing its own power unit and then
we’ll have more resources to develop the brand and a different power unit to race with for the Formula 1 team.”
Should the proposal be accepted by union representatives
Renault engines in F1 will be no more &#8211; meaning the Alpine team could need a customer engine supply
The team has already been strongly linked with a Mercedes power unit supply deal
with Aston Martin switching to Honda power in 2026
👉 <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/alpine-oliver-oakes-announced-team-principal">Confirmed: Alpine announce rookie F1 team principal as Bruno Famin moves away</a>
👉 <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/features/f1-longest-serving-team-principals">F1 team principals: How long has each team boss been in charge?</a>
But the proposal has been met with dismay by staff at Viry
whose work on a power unit for F1 2026 has now been in vain
Speaking to French publication L&#8217;Equipe
union rep Karine Dubreucq said the changes had come out of nowhere and had been greeted with shock by the workforce of more than 250 people
&#8220;We didn&#8217;t see it coming,&#8221; Dubreucq said
We developed engines here that were capable of becoming F1 champions twelve times over
They didn&#8217;t even wait for the first run on the test bench.&#8221;
Renault power units have raced in F1 for almost five consecutive decades
with 12 Constructors&#8217; Championship wins with Williams
While warning signs had been emerging in recent months with Alpine slumping down the order in the championship
the staff had not imagined a complete pulling of the plug on the programme &#8211; the report in L&#8217;Equipe also revealed that the staff&#8217;s work clothing had changed to remove the brand&#8217;s blue
A management meeting is understood to have taken place on Wednesday in order to address the conditions of the conversion of the site
with an eye towards a shift towards hydrogen power for Groupe Renault activities
But the work on an F1 2026 power unit hasn&#8217;t yet shut down
with sources speaking on the condition of anonymity revealing the performance figures being hit are matching and exceeding the targets outlined
&#8220;We think it will be equivalent to the Mercedes engine,&#8221; said one specialist
there will be a difference of 15 horsepower
We have redesigned everything in the turbo.&#8221;
with work continuing on the power unit that may never be placed into the back of a single-seater formula racing car
With Dubreucq revealing that staff are already taking sick leave
there&#8217;s no intention of halting work yet &#8211; but a source has hinted at greater consequences
we might not be able to start the cars,&#8221; a source is quoted as saying
with another employee warning: &#8220;If we stop now
we&#8217;ll never hear of a Renault engine in F1 again.&#8221;
With the process of conversion at Viry-Chatillon having begun
Famin has also addressed concerns that French labour unions could prevent Renault&#8217;s decision to cancel its F1 engine programme as he said: “No
The process will take some weeks and it will be quite fast anyway
“We are following all the mandatory steps and there is no reason not to make it properly
A very important thing in the project which has been presented: every single employee will be offered a job
And we are doing everything to make potentially
to make a very difficult moment as less painful as possible
Read next: <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/aston-martin-adrian-newey-rumours-addressed-mike-krack-summer-shutdown">Adrian Newey to Aston Martin? Team boss teases ‘big-name’ signing as rumours swirl</a>
© Planet Sport Limited 2025 • All Rights Reserved
Renault CEO Luca de Meo has agreed to meet employees of Alpine's French power unit division in Viry-Chatillon as he weighs up a decision on whether to abandon its F1 engine programme
Renault is strongly considering abandoning its in-house F1 power unit programme in Viry and shifting to <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/alpine/24858/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alpine</a> becoming a customer team instead for the all-new 2026 engine regulations
staff at Renault's factories at Viry-Chatillon and Enstone were informed of an evaluation study to plot a "transformation project" for its engine division away from its current F1 activities
which has led to protests back at base and at Monza's Italian Grand Prix
Staff members felt a potential closure of the F1 programme would be catastrophic for France's technology sector and claimed Viry's 2026 engine programme was looking much more promising than had been portrayed
employees demanded a meeting with de Meo after feeling their voice hadn't been heard by upper management
and de Meo has now agreed to meet staff representatives later this week
"The social and economic council (CSE) of Alpine Racing
the engine manufacturer for the French Formula 1 team
has announced that it has arranged a meeting with Luca de Meo
on Friday 20 September 2024 in order to bring to his attention the incomprehension surrounding the end of F1 engine development in France at the Viry-Chatillon site
a unique technology in France," a statement said on Tuesday
"The staff representatives thank Mr de Meo for responding favourably to this request."
Photo by: Michael Potts / Motorsport Images
de Meo told Motorsport.com that the final decision on Viry's fate had not been taken and that the board of directors had not made up its mind yet over its long-term strategy
An internal deadline has been set for 30 September to make a decision on the future direction of the division
Alpine appointed Hitech's Oliver Oakes as its new F1 team principal
with former Renault team boss Flavio Briatore brought in by de Meo as an advisor as he aims to turn Alpine's fortunes around
If confirmed, the decision to abandon its F1 power units would mean the end of a 47-year-long era of Renault engines on the F1 grid. Since 1979, its involvement resulted in 178 grand prix wins – including nine under the TAG Heuer name - having powered the likes of <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/williams/13/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Williams</a>
Watch: McLaren In Charge - F1 Azerbaijan GP Analysis
Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker
<a href="/register">Register</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick='document.frmFesUsrSitUserAccountLogIn.submit(); return false;'>Sign in</a>
<a href="../images/logos/800/1983renault01.jpg" rel="lightbox['articleimages']"></a>Staff at <a class="pphotlinkhighlight" href="/teams/13/renault">Renault</a>'s Viry-Chatillon engine manufacturing facility have accused the company of shunning its heritage
It's failure to get to grips with the hybrid era aside, <a class="pphotlinkhighlight" href="/teams/13/renault">Renault</a> does indeed have a rich
proud history in the sport even if it hasn't always taken advantage of the fact
Now, following official confirmation that <a class="pphotlinkhighlight" href="/teams/13/renault">Renault</a> engines will be seen on the F1 grid for the last time in 2025
leaving Alpine to run Mercedes power units
staff at the Viry-Chatillon facility have accused the legendary French manufacturer of putting money before tradition and history
representing the voice of employees and a majority of stakeholders
regret and deplore the decision to stop F1 engines in 2026,&quot; said the Viry Social and Economic Committee (CSE) in a statement
&quot;This choice is endorsed by the group
which wishes to reduce the financial risk surrounding F1
even though no serious study has been conducted to assess the impact on future sales and the prestige of the brand
&quot;Partnership solutions were rejected by the group
even though they would have made it possible to meet several objectives: maintaining F1 activity
and the possibility of bringing an already largely developed and promising RE26 engine to the 2026 season.&quot;
In its statement confirming the withdrawal <a class="pphotlinkhighlight" href="/teams/13/renault">Renault</a> insisted that it will continue to keep an eye on F1 with a view to a possible return
the CSE warns that the decimation of staff will make this impossible
&quot;The history of the Viry site shows that conflicting decisions have often been taken
and demonstrates the importance of maintaining highly qualified skills for the future in order to leave the door open to a return to F1 when the regulations and the financial context of the shareholder make it more attractive
the CSE warned of the end of the Alpine Mechanical Excellence Competition
an apprenticeship programme backed by the government which promotes diversity and opportunity in motorsport
the Viry staff are in disbelief that despite the hard work and investment
&quot;Despite the turmoil of the last two months
the Viry team has continued to develop the power of the 2026 engine that Alpine is depriving itself of,&quot; said the statement as the CSE called on public authorities to voice their concern over the sustainability of the iconic facility
<a href="/80107/Miami-Grand-Prix-in-Words-Stats-and-Pictures">Miami Grand Prix in Words, Stats and Pictures</a>
<a href="/80105/Another-restructuring-of-management-at-Audi">Another restructuring of management at Audi</a>
<a href="/80101/Hamilton-frustration-goes-public">Hamilton frustration goes public</a>
<a href="/80099/Red-Bull-protest-fails">Red Bull protest fails</a>
<a href="/80098/Miami-Grand-Prix-Post-Race-press-conference">Miami Grand Prix: Post Race press conference</a>
<a href="/80102/Sainz-gets-a-warning">Sainz gets a warning</a>
<a href="/80104/Miami-Grand-Prix-Driver-Tyre-Strategies">Miami Grand Prix: Driver Tyre Strategies</a>
<a href="/80089/Piastri-cruises-to-Miami-victory">Piastri cruises to Miami victory</a>
<a href="/80106/Miami-Grand-Prix-Fastest-Race-Laps">Miami Grand Prix: Fastest Race Laps</a>
<a href="/80088/Miami-Grand-Prix-Result">Miami Grand Prix: Result</a>
<a href="/78819/Renault-ends-F1-engine-programme">Renault ends F1 engine programme</a>
<a href="/78781/Singapore-Grand-Prix-Race-team-notes-Alpine">Singapore Grand Prix: Race team notes - Alpine</a>
<a href="/78769/Singapore-Grand-Prix-Qualifying-team-notes-Alpine">Singapore Grand Prix: Qualifying team notes - Alpine</a>
<a href="/78748/Singapore-Grand-Prix-Practice-team-notes-Alpine">Singapore Grand Prix: Practice team notes - Alpine</a>
<a href="/78727/Singapore-Grand-Prix-Preview-Alpine">Singapore Grand Prix: Preview - Alpine</a>
<a href="/78712/Four-drivers-given-warnings-by-Baku-stewards">Four drivers given warnings by Baku stewards</a>
<a href="/78695/Azerbaijan-Grand-Prix-Race-team-notes-Alpine">Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Race team notes - Alpine</a>
<a href="/78689/Hamilton-to-start-from-pitlane-after-engine-change">Hamilton to start from pitlane after engine change</a>
<a href="/78687/Azerbaijan-Grand-Prix-Qualifying-team-notes-Alpine">Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Qualifying team notes - Alpine</a>
<a href="/78685/Gasly-disqualified-from-qualifying">Gasly disqualified from qualifying</a>
<a href="/galleries">Click to go to the main galleries section</a>
or <a href="/public/register.php">Register</a> for a Pitpass ID to have your say
Please note that all posts are reactively moderated and must adhere to the site's posting rules and etiquette
"All Renault's issues come down to leadership
or lack of good leadership.Good leadership would have:Sorted the Power UnitsMade sure the right drivers were in placeHad customersHad the right engineers in the right place at the right time prioritising and executing their work."
"A quick PS on the referenced &lsquo;Excellence M�canique Alpine&rsquo; competition.It was not a DEI hiring programme at all
It was simply a competition for young people already training in the automotive sector
It gave them the opportunity to compete for a place as an intern at Viry with the possibility of an apprenticeship after that
The &ldquo;inclusive&rdquo; provision was simply that entrants&rsquo; financial circumstances should not be a barrier to success
costs incurred by candidates during the internship
were covered by Alpine.It seems unlikely that Renault&rsquo;s lack of success can be laid at the door of a few interns working in the assembly shop
"@Celtic Tiger - is there any evidence to support your &lsquo;smoking gun&rsquo; idea about Renault&rsquo;s engine woes being due to DEI hires
 DEI programmes are about creating equitable opportunities and harnessing the benefits of a diverse workforce while maintaining a focus on appointing the best candidates based on merit
they do not undermine meritocracy but enhance it by making sure that everyone is competing on a level playing field whilst broadening the pool of talent upon which to draw."
"@ BrightonCorgi I understand that Renault/Alpine has a token presence in Australia but the importer doesn't understand the concept of 'after sales service'
so buying a Renault/Alpine is only as a 2nd/3rd car.3 months ago
I actually saw a new Alpine - and not seen another since - in South Yorkshire
I saw 2 Porsche Taycans and a Maserati SUV
"Despite all the shade thrown at this team they do stand a chance to improve now that Flavio has dipped into it
His reputation amongst so many followers is dubious but he's a canny survivor and he will either succeed or go down in flames
Flavio is a deal maker and this latest decision to ditch the house engine is one that I'm sure was not taken lightly
Maybe it's just all a diversion and a forerunner of bigger things re the Andretti mess?"
"I don't think it really matters that Alpine aren't in the US as only a small percentage of viewers are from the US.While I agree the Renault engine is not the best it seems fairly clear that it's not the cause of all of their problems
It all just has the air of incompetent management wandering round firing people saying &quot;now it will all work&quot; when they've got no idea what's going on.Look at the changes they've made in staff and things have only got worse
look at the cock up they made with Oscar P (lucky escape for him in the end).It's time for them to address the real problem..."
"I can respect heritage as much as most anyone but at the end of the day it doesn't put food in the belly nor clothes on the back
if its not winning races then one needs to be flexible.It's unreasonable to expect them to keep pumping money into a program that has produced the weakest engine consistently for the last ten years
is that in a decade since the introduction of the hybrid power unit the people haven't been able to produce a good engine but then I noticed this;&quot;Other than the obvious job losses
an apprenticeship programme backed by the government which promotes diversity and opportunity in motorsport.&quot;That appears to be the smoking gun
I think the CSE claims about the RE26 is most likely a steaming load and I also think that the ones running the engine development on all levels has been p*ssing on Renault/Alpine's feet and telling them its raining for far too long and it looks as if they've had enough
Its a shame people are losing jobs but by the same token it wouldn't be an issue if they did the job right.If I were the chassis department
Now that they have gone ahead with a power unit from a proven manufacturer like Mercedes that leaves the Alpine's chassis exposed for scrutiny by the company
Lets hope Alpine's merc powered car is akin to what McLaren has done this year because I think its good for F1 to have a french team competing
"Cadillac/GM to buy out the intellectual property of Renault
Partners with a team (Haas/VCARB?) before a complete buy out
"Being in F1 doesn't make sense for Renault
 Renault does not sell cars in America and so much focus is put on catering to that market
 Americans assume Alpine has something to do with skis
 Crappy results for several years ain't helping their cause either."
<a title="Post this to Delicious" href="http://del.icio.us/post?url=<!--FES_SHARE_LINK-- >&title=<!--FES_SHARE_TITLE-- >" target="_blank">Delicious</a>
<a title="Post this to Digg" href="http://digg.com/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pitpass.com%2F78822%2FViry-staff-deplore-Renaults-F1-withdrawal&title=Viry%20staff%20%22deplore%22%20Renault%27s%20F1%20withdrawal%20-%20Pitpass.com" target="_blank">Digg</a>
<a title="Post this to Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pitpass.com%2F78822%2FViry-staff-deplore-Renaults-F1-withdrawal&title=Viry%20staff%20%22deplore%22%20Renault%27s%20F1%20withdrawal%20-%20Pitpass.com&quote=Viry%20staff%20%22deplore%22%20Renault%27s%20F1%20withdrawal%20-%20Pitpass.com" target="_blank">Facebook</a>
<a title="Post this to reddit" href="http://reddit.com/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pitpass.com%2F78822%2FViry-staff-deplore-Renaults-F1-withdrawal&title=Viry%20staff%20%22deplore%22%20Renault%27s%20F1%20withdrawal%20-%20Pitpass.com" target="_blank">Reddit</a>
<a title="Post this to StumbleUpon" href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/submit?url=<!--FES_SHARE_LINK-- >&title=<!--FES_SHARE_TITLE-- >" target="_blank">StumbleUpon</a>
<a title="Post this to Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Viry%20staff%20%22deplore%22%20Renault%27s%20F1%20withdrawal%20-%20Pitpass.com&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pitpass.com%2F78822%2FViry-staff-deplore-Renaults-F1-withdrawal" target="_blank">Twitter</a>
Alpine announced that it would no longer supply Renault engines
This decision raises questions about the future of employees at Viry-Châtillon
who were informed of the decision after the CSE meeting
© Alpine / The Viry-Châtillon plant will no longer manufacture Formula 1 engines.Renault has made a radical decision under the impulse of its new special advisor
Flavio Briatore: the diamond brand immediately ceases to design and manufacture engines for Formula 1
motivated by insufficient performance and disappointing reliability of its power units
comes after numerous retirements of Alpine's drivers
the Enstone-based team is currently negotiating with Mercedes to obtain its engines as early as 2026
An earthquake for the Viry-Châtillon technical center
This decision has major repercussions for the Viry-Châtillon factory
which has been the epicenter of Renault engines in Formula 1 since 1977
The end of this activity represents a painful turning point for the brand and French motorsport
If negotiations between Alpine and Mercedes are successful
the Viry-Châtillon factory will have to refocus on new challenges outside of Formula 1
solutions are already being studied to reassign employees located in Viry-Châtillon and offer them positions within the Renault group but outside of F1
Among the options being considered are the development of hydrogen technologies and further research on batteries
expressed his gratitude to the employees of Viry-Châtillon during the Spanish Grand Prix
emphasizing their constant dedication despite difficult times: "We owe a lot of respect to everyone in Viry working on this project."
Alpine also plans to transform the Viry-Châtillon factory into a state-of-the-art technology center for new energies
which would allow retaining talents within the company
This initiative aims to avoid a significant trauma for employees and fans of the team
while positioning Renault as a key player in sustainable development and ecological transition
the premises had been completely transformed to be improved and ventilated
The primary objective is to re-oxygenate the current workspaces
we have so far sacrificed workspaces in order to move around
This new extension will allow our teams to work in better conditions
The discontinuation of F1 engine production undeniably marks the end of an era for the French brand and for French motorsport
which will no longer have an engine supplier in F1
Viry-Châtillon was supplying engines to Red Bull and Toro Rosso
If the group will have every interest in retaining its employees
engineers with strong potential and knowledge
it will nevertheless have to contend with the competition of the many other F1 engine manufacturers in the future to want to "steal" these talents
Red Bull intends to rely on Honda engines to create its own power units with Red Bull Power Trains and has entered into a strategic partnership with Ford
Ford and Red Bull Power Trains will therefore inevitably be interested in Renault's employees
With no experience in Formula 1 powertrains
Audi is heading into the unknown when they make their official debut as a factory team in 2026
While the team will be based on Sauber's chassis expertise
It is therefore clear that Audi will also be interested in the engineers who are currently developing the power units for 2026
Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
Renault's plan to scrap its Formula 1 engine department has been met with disdain by some of the workforce at the Viry-Chatillon factory located just outside of Paris
The CSE, Social and Economic Committee of the <a href="https://www.autosport.com/team/alpine/39174/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alpine</a> engine subsidiary
had campaigned hard in an attempt to persuade Renault CEO Luca de Meo not to throw in the towel
However, their attempts ultimately failed and <a href="https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/alpine-to-end-f1-engine-programme-after-2025/10659351/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alpine looks set to use Mercedes engines from the 2026 season onwards</a>
Renault has announced the Viry-Chatillon plant will be focused on future technologies involving both Alpine and Renault branded cars while the site will still contain an F1 monitoring unit
There was little information on the cessation of its F1 operation in Renault's release and the CSE has voiced its concerns about de Meo's decision and claims that "this decision against the tide causes Alpine to miss out on its sporting history"
A statement said: "All staff representatives
regret and deplore the decision to stop F1 engines in 2026
"Partnership solutions were rejected by the group
and the possibility of bringing an already largely developed and promising RE26 engine to the 2026 season."
The CSE adds that is has concerns about the proposals for staff at the Viry-Chatillon factory
adding that it believes the low staffing levels would inhibit the potential return of Alpine as an engine supplier in the long term
The statement added: "The history of the Viry site shows that conflicting decisions have often been taken
and demonstrates the importance of maintaining highly qualified skills for the future in order to leave the door open to a return to F1 when the regulations and the financial context of the shareholder make it more attractive."
The CSE statement also says it is concerned the Viry-Chatillon site will go from 500 to 334 jobs on 1 January and will see the termination of the contracts of many service providers
It believes that will in turn result in a further 100 job losses in indirect jobs among the main partners by the end of this year
And it says it will see the end of the Alpine Mechanical Excellence Competition - a government-backed apprenticeship trying to create equal opportunities and promoting diversity
the CSE statement concluded that "the lack of maturity of the projects brought forward and the loss of confidence in management pose a major risk of critical skills leaving the Viry site
"Despite the turmoil of the last two months
the Viry team has continued to develop the power of the 2026 engine that Alpine is depriving itself of
This decision against the tide causes Alpine to miss out on its sporting history
the CSE staff representatives unanimously gave an unfavourable opinion on the transformation project
"We call on the public authorities to defend the sustainability of employment on the Viry-Chatillon site."
‘You’re going to feel like you’re in the seat’ – Kerry Condon on the excitement of the ‘F1’ movie and what’s in store for audiences
GALLERY: All the biggest celebrities and artists at the Miami Grand Prix
MUST-SEE: Watch as Roddy Ricch takes on a thrilling Hot Lap in Miami
POWER RANKINGS: Who shone brightest for our judges during an eventful Sprint weekend at the Miami GP
OBITUARY: Remembering the life and career of the ‘tough and popular’ Jochen Mass 
Alpine have announced plans for a so-called ‘Hypertech’ transformation project that will include their Formula 1 power unit department ceasing operations at the end of next year
Alpine’s F1 programme is currently split across two factories – the chassis-focused division in Enstone in the UK
and the engine-focused division in Viry-Chatillon
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/alpines-sanchez-details-how-team-are-setting-themselves-up-to-be-competitive.3YcxNgqpJBo1PF0YHFfqRF" node="[object Object]">READ MORE: Alpine’s Sanchez details how team are setting themselves up to be competitive ‘especially from 2026 onwards’</a>
the Viry-Chatillon base – which has been designing and building engines since Alpine’s parent company Renault entered the sport back in the 1970s – will not produce F1 power units post-2025
Enstone will therefore become the heart of Alpine’s F1 efforts moving forward, incorporating a yet-to-be-announced engine supply arrangement for the 2026 regulation changes – following on from <a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/why-alpine-are-looking-to-change-their-works-status-and-take-a-customer.7ploIuQz7WN4KCiDpjvT5G" node="[object Object]">talk of a potential deal with Mercedes</a>
is set to be transformed into ‘Hypertech Alpine’
Alpine will soon cease their F1 power unit operations as a transformation project kicks in
the company described this as a “new state-of-the-art engineering centre” that “will bring together some of the best talent in the world to contribute to the development of ultra-high-performance vehicles and innovations in cutting-edge technologies” for Alpine and the Renault Group
Alpine said the consultation process with employee representatives leading up to the changes was “constructive”
with all employees affected by the transformation project to be offered a new position within the Hypertech operation
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/analysis-why-alpine-have-opted-for-youth-in-signing-jack-doohan-as-they-look-to.41STjdc3TnzGy6CIhi3znp" node="[object Object]">ANALYSIS: Why Alpine have opted for youth in signing Doohan as their rebuild phase gears up</a>
An ‘F1 monitoring unit’ will also be established
with the aim being to “maintain employees’ knowledge and skills in this sport and remain at the forefront of innovation for Hypertech Alpine’s various projects”
Alpine CEO Philippe Krief said: “Creating this Hypertech Alpine centre is key to Alpine’s development strategy and
“It is a turning point in the history of the Viry-Chatillon site
The changes come following Flavio Briatore’s return to F1 as Alpine’s new Executive Advisor
The news comes shortly after another internal reshuffle at the Renault-owned squad, with former Benetton and Renault boss Flavio Briatore returning to F1 – and the Enstone team he previously led – <a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/alpine-announce-further-team-changes-as-flavio-briatore-returns-in-executive.14mfyaJthQ4dBCx36Kpl6q" node="[object Object]">as Alpine’s new Executive Advisor</a> earlier this year
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/pierre-gasly-oliver-oakes-alpine-positive-changes.2pmGvCKJA8puQr7gyO83CB" node="[object Object]">READ MORE: Gasly backs ‘positive changes’ at Alpine as he explains what ‘extremely motivated’ new Team Principal Oakes can bring</a>
His role was said to cover “scouting top talents and providing insights on the driver market
challenging the existing project by assessing the current structure and advising on some strategic matters within the sport”
He promptly brought in <a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/breaking-alpine-announce-oliver-oakes-as-new-team-principal-following.4icLO7K9s4r1TZUQACYnjZ" node="[object Object]">respected junior team boss Oliver Oakes</a> as Alpine’s new Team Principal
replacing Bruno Famin – who had only been in the role for a year – and adding to a long line of managerial changes in recent years
Alpine sit ninth in <a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/results/2024/team" node="[object Object]">the constructors’ standings</a> with three quarters of the 2024 season completed
having scored 13 points across the 18 rounds staged so far
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/miami-lowdown-all-the-key-moments-as-mclaren-and-antonelli-shine-ferrari.4r3jwJv22RqKDOHx2FZBo7" node="[object Object]">MIAMI LOWDOWN: All the key moments as McLaren and Antonelli shine, Ferrari face tensions and LEGO takes over</a>
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/monday-morning-debrief-how-leclerc-and-hamiltons-opposing-miami-strategies.2JJ4uZ77O1npXWLA9Mu3pr" node="[object Object]">MONDAY MORNING DEBRIEF: How Leclerc and Hamilton’s opposing Miami strategies culminated in fractious Ferrari radio exchanges</a>
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/highlights-piastri-leads-mclaren-1-2-after-thrilling-race-in-miami.58GLPzRhL7aEvP6d9VwHbm" node="[object Object]">HIGHLIGHTS: Piastri leads McLaren 1-2 after thrilling race in Miami</a>
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/driveable-lego-big-builds-welcomed-to-miami-drivers-parade.nVkstNITKT6LNY5pnT4IU" node="[object Object]">Driveable LEGO big builds welcomed to Miami drivers’ parade</a>
<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/cadillac-unveil-their-team-logo-and-brand-during-dazzling-miami-launch-event.NlxVb6QPCGZkoNlI7OGFT" node="[object Object]">Cadillac unveil their team logo and brand during dazzling Miami launch event ahead of 2026 entry</a>
Former F1 and Le Mans racer Jochen Mass passes away aged 78
VideoHIGHLIGHTS: Piastri leads McLaren 1-2 after thrilling race in Miami
Audi announce organisational restructure ahead of F1 arrival in 2026
&#x27;It was frustrating&#x27; – Hamilton opens up on tense Miami radio messages during Ferrari strategy debate
Renault has launched an evaluation study to decide on the future focus for its Viry-Chatillon engine facility
amid a growing likelihood that it will end its Formula 1 power unit project
Motorsport.com has learned that Renault’s senior management earlier today informed staff at both the French factory and Enstone
it is suggested that the aim of the study is to deliver a plan that ensures Viry remains at the heart of Renault’s sporting and automotive activities if its F1 involvement comes to an end
There is believed to be a clear desire to push senior engineers and other staff at the French facility on to areas of new technology that will futureproof the Renault organisation
This could include development of hydrogen power alongside further battery technology work
The changes will ensure that those staff currently working on the F1 project will still have a future at the company even if it no longer produces engines for grand prix racing
Watch: Why Everyone was So Angry at the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix - Race Analysis
While there have been rumours for several months that Renault was considering pulling the plug on its F1 operation
today’s development is the first formal step to suggest that the ball is now rolling on that idea
who has been drafted in to help lift the fortunes of the grand prix team
is believed to have played a key part in advising Renault’s senior management to move away from building its own engine and instead become a customer team
As revealed earlier, Alpine is currently closing in on a deal with <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/mercedes/5/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mercedes</a> to become a customer team for the next rules era that begins in 2026
The partnership is set to be similar to that which Aston Martin currently has with Mercedes
whereby it takes the German manufacturer’s suspension and gearbox as well
Sources have indicated there is also an outside possibility that if a deal can be concluded quickly
then some elements of the partnership could begin in 2025 already
A formal end to Renault’s production of F1 engines will be an historic moment
as the French car maker has been involved in some form – either as a manufacturer entrant or customer supplier - almost continuously since 1977
Renault has declined to comment on the situation surrounding Viry-Chatillon
and the team has been reluctant over the past few months to get drawn into speculation over what it may do in the future
Team principal Bruno Famin said back at the Spanish Grand Prix: “We just don't comment on the rumours
We owe a lot of respect to everybody in&nbsp;Viry&nbsp;working on that project and the worst thing would be to comment the rumours.”
confirms that he will not retain the employees of Viry-Châtillon after abandoning the Alpine engine program
and announces the transformation of the site into the Alpine Hypertech technology center
says he is already being approached by these engineers in search of new opportunities
© Alpine / The staff of Renault F1 can leave without gardening leave.Renault has decided not to retain dissatisfied employees from the engine department of Viry-Châtillon who wish to leave for another Formula 1 team
he declared to be deeply sorry for the staff members frustrated by the abandonment of Alpine's factory engine program
De Meo explained that the Viry-Châtillon site would be reoriented into a technological center focused on innovation
He ensures that employees wishing to stay will have the opportunity to keep their job
but in new functions adapted to the upcoming projects
Read also: <a href="/f1/actualite/34918-luca-meo-justifie-larret-leur-moteur-f1-je-ne-peux-pas-reflechir-fan.html" title="Luca de Meo justifies the stop of their F1 engine: "I cannot think like a fan"">Luca de Meo justifies the stop of their F1 engine: "I cannot think like a fan"</a>
« A F1 technology group will focus on the next engine regulation cycle after 2030
We are also working on other long-term projects
including a Supercar and innovative technologies
No positions will be cut - that's a guarantee
director of Scuderia Ferrari and former head of Renault in 2016
revealed that many employees of Renault F1 looking for a new position have already sent their CV to Maranello: It's emotionally hard to see what is happening in Viry-Châtillon
Some of these people have been working there for 30 years and have contributed to many successes
Although Vasseur is considering hiring these talents
de Meo has specified that he will not impose a "gardening" period on them (a period of time during which an employee leaves one team for another but is paid without working to avoid sharing sensitive information
« Those who are motivated by building a F1 engine will be able to easily reposition themselves »
He also revealed that Vasseur had contacted him to ask if it was possible to recruit staff without a transition period
De Meo responded with humor: "Such is life
We will not hold onto our employees against their will."
Also read: <a href="/f1/news/34887-employees-alpine-viry-regret-renault-engine-abandon.html" title="Employees of Alpine in Viry "regret" Renault engine abandonment" >Employees of Alpine in Viry "regret" Renault engine abandonment</a>
#36 Alpine Endurance Team Alpine A424: Nicolas Lapierre
<a href="https://www.autosport.com/team/alpine/39174/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alpine</a>’s factory effort in the World Endurance Championship will not be affected by any potential changes to its Formula 1 engine programme
has stated that the Renault brand will continue to build and maintain engines for its A424 LMDh car at Viry-Chatillon in France for the foreseeable future
Renault’s Viry factory has been building engines for grand prix racing since 1979
but the French manufacturer is debating whether to abandon its F1 power unit programme in time for the new regulations in 2026
Although a decision is not expected to be made until 30 September as per an internal target set by the company
the prospect of Renault stopping production of F1 engines at Viry to turn Alpine into a Mercedes customer team has not been received well by employees
who have staged multiple protests in recent weeks
But “whatever happens” to its long-running F1 engine programme
the Viry facility will continue to play an important role in Alpine’s Hypercar team according to Famin
“We are already using the facility for WEC engines
[In] 2025 we continue with the Formula 1 engine,” he said
the resources we have in Viry to support and develop the WEC programme for sure and we will continue [doing that in the future].”
The Alpine A424 is powered by a heavily modified version of Mecachrome’s 3.4-litre turbocharged V6 engine that is also used in Formula 2
This is paired with a spec hybrid system that is common to all LMDh cars and is supplied jointly by Bosch
#35 Alpine Endurance Team Alpine A424: Paul-Loup Chatin
Alpine has completed limited testing on its return to the Hypercar class with the all-new A424 in 2024
It was the only manufacturer in the category not to take part in a collective test at Austin in July ahead of this month’s Lone Star Le Mans event
Famin has revealed that Alpine will ramp up testing in 2025 in order to use its entire allocation
“The regulations limit the number of days you can test and the number of days depends if you are a manufacturer
but [also how many] customer [cars you have],” he explained
“Some competitors have quite a lot of customer cars and they are allowed to make more tests
They also have double programmes with IMSA and WEC
“We go step by step and the goal for next year will be for sure to make the full use of all the quota in terms of the number of test days that we are gonna have.”
Representatives of Renault’s Formula 1 engine staff at Viry-Chatillon have called for the French manufacturer to rethink plans for <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/alpine/24858/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alpine</a> to become a <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/team/mercedes/5/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mercedes</a> customer – suggesting the decision is a ‘betrayal.’
As part of an effort to improve its fortunes, the Alpine Formula 1 team is <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alpine-mercedes-tie-up-set-to-include-suspension-gearbox-and-could-start-in-2025/10637833/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">poised to commit to becoming a Mercedes customer team from 2026 onwards</a>
A final decision on the engine plan and the future of its Viry headquarters is expected to take place on 30 September
with a study having already been commissioned by Renault into transferring the focus of F1 personnel at the French factory on to new technology development
But with current Renault engine staff already understood to have voiced dismay to bosses and Renault CEO Luca de Meo over the decision to abandon its F1 engine project
representatives of its personnel have now gone public with their concerns
A statement issued by the Social and Economic Council of Alpine employees in Viry-Chatillon (Conseil Social et Economique) sent to Motorsport.com outlined that the technical promise already shown by its 2026 engine more than justified Renault continuing with the project
It said: “The Group's management plans to stop the 2026 programme at Viry-Chatillon and opt for an engine supply
“The reason given is a significant direct saving
trading development costs of $120 million for $17 million in annual supply.”
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / <a href="https://www.motorsportimages.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Motorsport Images</a>
It added: “We do not understand what justifies killing this elite entity that is the Viry-Chatillon site and betraying its legend and its DNA by grafting a Mercedes heart into our F1 Alpine [car]
“The announcement of the end of the development and production of French power units for Formula 1 is incomprehensible
“We cannot accept that Alpine and the Renault Group damage their images
De Meo and his board of directors to renounce this decision.”
the Social and Economic Council outlined how Viry had hit some aggressive development targets with the new engine – which it said had shown good potential during dyno testing
“More than a hundred disruptive concepts were studied
nearly a third of which demonstrated significant performance on the test bench and should be introduced on the future Alpine engine: the AR26,” it said
“The target was to start the first Alpine 2026 engine at the end of the first half of 2024
one and a half years after the genesis of the project
the name given to the first 'factory' version of the AR26
carried out its first start-up on engine bench no
thus marking a success in terms of the targeted deadline
almost a third of the performance concepts
planned for introduction before the end of 2024
Photo by: Michael Potts / <a href="https://www.motorsportimages.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Motorsport Images</a>
The statement said that the test engine was exceeding 400kW output during its first hours of running – which was close to the performance objective laid down for the first 2026 race
It was said to have a thermal efficiency of 48% and had suffered no major reliability problems
It was also revealed that the engine was 12 percent shorter than the current power unit Alpine was using
which offered “significant room” for improved chassis integration
it was below the minimum weight laid down in the regulations
which meant Alpine could make use of ballast
The statement added: “The RE26A is seen by all the Viry-Chatillon teams as a great success
to raise the ambitions of Alpine F1 team.”
While Renault has promised to move current Viry F1 engine staff on to new projects
which should be definitively approved on 30 September 2024
consists of migrating resources to other projects led by Alpine Racing (Endurance
or to reclassify engineering on innovative projects
supposedly useful to the mass-produced industry
but not defined at this stage,” added the statement
“Innovation in the automotive sector today focuses on the chemistry and industrialisation of batteries
'software defined vehicles' and autonomous driving
The skills of Viry staff are not related to these subjects.”
Alpine has declined to comment on the matter
but it is understood that the Viry staff representatives have exercised their right to seek expertise on future projects being planned
It is understood this feedback will be delivered on September 30
no final decision has yet been made by Alpine about the transformation project at Viry
Alpine&#8217;s engine employees at Viry-Chatillon have responded with dismay to the decision from Renault to halt its F1 2026 engine programme
the Renault Group confirmed its plans to pull the plug on its F1 2026 engine programme
and transform the manufacturing facility at Viry-Chatillon into a state-of-the-art engineering hub for the Group
September 30th marked the deadline for the negotiations between the Renault Group and the employees at Viry-Chatillon that have been underway since the reveal by former <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/team/alpine">Alpine</a> F1 team boss that a transformation project had been proposed for the Viry factory
outlined by Famin at the Belgian Grand Prix
would be for him to step away from his F1 duties to lead the transformation of the factory &#8211; this would involve halting F1 engine manufacturing activities with the staff being put to work on other areas of technology on behalf of the Renault Group
Following a meeting with Renault Group CEO Luca De Meo on September 20th
named the Comite Social et Economique (CSE)
outlined their alarm at seeing the likely end of the F1 engine programme &#8211; the staff at the factory released an audio clip of the engine running on a test bench
with a representative explaining to PlanetF1.com at Monza that the engine is hitting current performance targets
The Renault Group confirmed its intentions to transform the Viry site via a press release on September 30th
confirming its intention to pull the plug on F1 engine activities by the end of the 2025 season
This would mean the Alpine F1 team will switch to a customer engine supply deal
with Mercedes understood to be the leading contender
The staff at Viry have responded to the decision made by the Renault Group
saying that the announcement has been met with the &#8220;unanimous
unfavourable opinion of the Alpine Racing Works Council&#8221;
representing the voice of the employees and a majority of the stakeholders
regret and deplore the decision to stop using F1 engines in 2026,&#8221; read a statement issued to PlanetF1.com by the CSE
&#8220;This choice has been endorsed by the [Renault] Group
which wishes to reduce the financial risk associated with F1
even though no serious study has been carried out to assess the impact on future sales and the prestige of the brand
👉 <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/who-is-oliver-oakes-alpine-new-f1-team-boss">Explained: Who is Oliver Oakes, the rookie F1 boss Alpine has entrusted its future to?</a>
👉 <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/features/where-f1-teams-based">F1 team HQs: Where each team is based and plan major upgrades</a>
&#8220;The Group has ruled out partnership solutions
even though they would have made it possible to meet several objectives: maintaining an F1 business
and the possibility of taking a RE26 engine that has already been largely developed and is promising until the 2026 season
resources and sustainability of the new projects that management wishes to bring to Viry are still largely unclear
&#8220;The communicated size of the F1 monitoring unit (staff and budget) still seems too small
and calls into question Alpine&#8217;s potential return as an engine manufacturer
&#8220;The history of the Viry site shows that decisions to the contrary have often been taken
and demonstrates the importance to maintain highly qualified skills for the future in order to leave the door open to a return to F1 when the regulations and the shareholder&#8217;s financial situation make it more attractive.&#8221;
The CSE also claims the project&#8217;s implementation will have immediate consequences on jobs and training
the Viry-Chatillon site will be reduced from 500 to 334 jobs
with the end of contracts for a large number of service providers
along with the loss of around a hundred indirect jobs at the main partners by the end of 2024
&#8220;The end of the Concours d&#8217;Excellence Mécanique Alpine (CEMA)
supported by the French Ministry of Labour
Health and Solidarity and the Ministry of Education and Youth commitment to equal opportunities
promoting gender diversity and raising the profile of a sector of young talent
the staff representatives for the Renault engine employees said that &#8220;the end of the F1 motorisation
the lack of maturity of the projects brought in and the loss of management means there is a major risk that critical skills will leave the Viry site
&#8220;Despite the turmoil of the last 2 months
the Viry team has continued to develop the power of the 2026 engine which Alpine is losing
This contrarian decision means that Alpine is missing out on its sporting history
the employee representatives on the works council unanimously voted against the transformation project
We call on the public authorities to defend the long-term future of jobs at the Viry-Chatillon site.&#8221;
PlanetF1.com understands the next step for the CSE is to try to gain political support from the French government
The statement from the CSE marks the latest drama enveloping the Alpine F1 team
which has had a year of massive personnel changes
Having parted ways with former technical director Matt Harman earlier this season
former Renault F1 team boss Flavio Briatore was brought back into the fold as an executive advisor to CEO Luca de Meo
while Famin has stepped away from the F1 team leadership &#8211; he has been succeeded by new team boss Oli Oakes
Read Next: <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/red-bull-mclaren-worlds-apart-helmut-marko-united-states-gp-decisive-race">Red Bull and McLaren are ‘worlds’ apart with ‘decisive’ race now identified</a>
Despite no official confirmation about the end of Renault’s engine efforts in Formula 1
it has been clear for several weeks where things are heading
Things moved forward this week though when, as revealed by Autosport, staff at Renault’s factories at Viry-Chatillon and Enstone were<a href="https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/renault-launches-study-on-future-of-viry-engine-facility-amid-f1-project-review/10637924/" target="_self" rel="noopener"> informed of an evaluation study to plot a new future for its engine division</a>
The idea is to move it away from involvement in F1 and look at ways it can help future-proof the Renault organisation – potentially through new technologies like hydrogen
Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Alpine’s <a href="https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/famin-to-stand-down-as-alpine-team-principal-after-f1-summer-break/10639048/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">outgoing team principal Bruno Famin</a> opened up about where things were at
and the factors that were at play to prompt Renault to abandon an F1 engine legacy that dates back to the late 1970s
Famin confirmed the presentation to staff at Viry of the evaluation study
which he feels will better suit Alpine’s future road car expansion
“The project which has been presented at the beginning of the week to the staff representative in Viry-Chatillon is to reallocate the resources from one side to another,” he said
Photo by: <a href="https://www.motorsportimages.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Motorsport Images</a>
“One side is being the development of the Formula 1 power unit
and to dedicate those resources and skills to developing new technologies for the brand
would be then for the Alpine F1 team to buy a power unit instead of developing its own power unit
And then we'll have more resources to develop the brand and a different power unit to race.”
Renault’s decision to end its F1 engine project marks a big change in direction
and one that is ultimately fuelled by both competitive and financial factors
It is hugely expensive to run an engine programme in F1
the end product actually puts you slightly on the back foot
While some have suggested that the decision to become a customer team was prompted because Renault’s 2026 engine progress was far behind where it needed to be
“We all know that since 2014 we don’t have the best engine in Viry
but it’s one of the engines that improved the most since 2014,” he said
but the improvement had been very good and the job which is being done in Viry to prepare the 2026 engine is incredible
and I am confident that we can reach that target
The figures we had from the dyno are very good.”
there is no denying that the advantages for an F1 team of running its own engine are much less than they were in the past
who has come from the Viry side of the business
says that as manufacturers have got ever more on top of things
installation gains to be had compared to a customer unit are minimal
the cost versus benefit ratio for a manufacturer in producing its own engine has moved a lot – which is one of the reasons for Renault's change of heart
As Famin explained: “There's a bit of potential in developing the integration
“But it's quite theoretical at the end of the story
because now all the PU&nbsp;manufacturers are working very closely
with the teams and all the integrations are incredibly optimised
“If we take a <a href="https://www.autosport.com/team/ferrari/36466/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ferrari</a> or Mercedes engine
I'm quite convinced that all the integration
Famin said that the decision to potentially abandon the works project is simply because it does not make sense for what Alpine is hoping to achieve in the automotive market
“We are at a very specific crossroads,” he said
when asked why Renault had suddenly decided to end being a manufacturer team
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / <a href="https://www.motorsportimages.com" target="_blank">Motorsport Images</a>
“The project for developing the Alpine brand is now very concrete
and we know the resources needed for developing it
it's because now the question at the Alpine brand point of view is 'how do we use
in the best possible way for developing the brand
Famin said that the project currently revolves around the change of engine plans coming into play for 2026
even though sources suggest there is a possibility things could be fast-tracked to 2025 if certain circumstances fall into play
PLUS:<a href="https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/the-key-ingredients-changing-as-f1s-2026-engine-war-shapes-up/10551765/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;The key ingredients changing as F1's 2026 engine war shapes up</a>
The timeline for completing the evaluation is unclear
and much will depend on the response from trade union representatives in France
“We need to finish the social process in Viry,” he said
and the likelihood is of every change being pored over in detail
Famin did make clear that there was no risk of current personnel losing their jobs
and there is no reason not to make it properly,” he said
“One very important thing is in the project
every single employee will be offered a job
“We are doing everything to make potentially a very difficult moment as less painful as possible
One theory that has long surrounded the motivation for Renault to abandon its works engine project has been that it is linked to a potential sale of the Alpine team
One of the theoretical hurdles for any investors potentially interested in coming on board and taking over the Alpine operation was that they would also have to commit to the Renault engine part of the project
Cutting that aspect completely allows Renault to ring fence the Alpine element
However, Renault CEO Luca <a href="https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/renault-ceo-rules-out-alpine-f1-team-sale-despite-offers-left-and-right/10620068/" target="_self" rel="noopener">de Meo has consistently denied that there is any desire to cash out,</a> and it is something that Famin has reiterated as well despite a change of engine plan
“The F1 project remains a key project for the Alpine brand,” added Famin
“It's thanks to F1 that we want to develop the brand awareness globally
But the project [to change what Viry does]
it's just relocating the resources to develop the brand better
<a itemprop="item" href="/en/" title="Home page of Motors Inside">Home</a><a itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/WebPage" itemprop="item" itemid="https://www.motorsinside.com/en/f1" href="/en/f1" title="F1 home page">F1</a><a itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/WebPage" itemprop="item" itemid="https://www.motorsinside.com/en/f1/news" href="/en/f1/news" title="All F1 news">News</a>Mecachrome produces
Alpine develops: How Alpine's F1 engines are madeF1Mecachrome produces
Alpine develops: How Alpine's F1 engines are madeWith a partnership that has lasted for more than 20 years
Mercachrome and Renault-Alpine have a strong common relationship in the development of the brand's Formula 1 engines
this could come to an end if the French team stops its engine production from 2026
© Overtake/Motors Inside / Alpine and Mecachrome
a 20-year collaboration.When we talk about Alpine engines in Formula 1
we quickly think of the brand's historical site located in Viry-Chatillon (Essonne)
But the French team also calls on the Mecachrome group to assemble and test its engines at its automotive center in Aubigny-sur-Nère (Cher)
which has been going on for about twenty years
There has always been a relationship of trust with Renault for a very long time
The tacit and even explicit rule we had with them is that Mecachrome was a partner of Renault
We communicated very little about what we were doing with it
The role of Mecachrome in the production of engines used by Alpine is well defined
Mecachrome is responsible for the production and assembly
handles the development and technical innovation
I am referring to the racing engines," explains Christian Cornille
"We also manufacture the main parts of these engines
While the development engines are produced in Viry-Châtillon
Mecachrome is responsible for making these engines available to the team
which develops and improves the main engines itself
the various engineers from both sites are regularly in contact
They even share the premises of Mecachrome
"We work very closely with the Alpine teams
part of it is located in our workshops," said the French manager
Mecachrome's role in engine assembly is therefore to respect the wishes dictated by Alpine and to bring as much precision as possible to their production
"Our role is to assemble the engines as perfectly as possible to be delivered to the races," says Christian Cornille
"This represents the bulk of the partnership with Alpine [...] This whole assembly is directly integrated on the chassis and that is what we provide to Alpine
we provide them directly at the track when there are complicated adjustments
Mecachrome also receives all the parts from other suppliers
and assembles all the components on the power unit made available to Alpine in F1
« There is the entire electrical auxiliary component
and this unit is directly supplied to Enstone and integrated into the chassis
We even manage to do this directly in Enstone
Also read: <a href="/f1/actualite/24665-quest-que-le-bloc-propulseur-moteurs-dune-f1-.html" title="F1 engines: what are they made of?">What elements make up an F1 engine?</a>
While a possible halt in the conception of Renault engines for F1 from 2026 has been announced by management
Mecachrome will have to wait for this decision to be definitively confirmed by the end of the month in order to have a clearer view on the future of their partnership
as Alpine and Mecachrome have established a new cooperation this season for the LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h)
Employees from Viry-Châtillon are set to protest peacefully at the Italian GP.&nbsp;Philippe Nanchino/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty ImagesMONZA
Italy -- Roughly 100 employees of Alpine's Formula One engine programme will attend Friday practice at the Italian Grand Prix to protest the French company's plans to close down its F1 power unit project in 2026
The Renault-owned Alpine F1 team is currently powered by French-built engines made in Viry-Châtillon, but in July the company announced its <a href="http://Roughly 100 employees of Alpine's Formula One engine programme will attend Friday practice at the Italian Grand Prix to protest the French company's plans to close down its F1 power unit project in 2026." target="_blank">intention to cease production</a> of its own power units at the end of 2025 and switch to a customer engine deal from 2026
A final decision on the future of Viry-Châtillon is set to be made on Sept
with Alpine in discussions with Mercedes about an engine deal to replace the in-house power units
Around 100 employees from Viry-Châtillon will travel to Monza for Friday's practice sessions ahead of the Italian Grand Prix and plan to present banners in the grandstands with a "clear and non-aggressive message
advocating for the retention of a French engine in F1."
The employees will wear a white t-shirt featuring the Alpine logo as well as a black armband
while a statement from Alpine Racing's Works Council
said trackside employees within the team's garage would also wear the black armband "if possible."
The statement stressed "no action will prevent track operations from taking place."
the majority of employees at Viry-Châtillon plan to go on strike in solidarity
"We do not understand what justifies killing this elite F1 entity that is the Viry-Châtillon site and betraying its legacy and DNA by implanting a Mercedes heart or any other into our Alpine F1," the statement from the Works Council said
"The announcement of the end of the development and production of French engines for Formula One is incomprehensible
"We cannot conceive that Alpine and the Renault Group would betray their purpose and damage their image."
Alpine Racing issued a statement of its own in response to the action
"We are aware of some activities planned this weekend from staff of Viry," it said
"We understand from their communication these will be peaceful protests and will not impact team operations
"The transformation project is still being evaluated and no decision has been taken yet by Alpine's management
which opened since the project was presented to the Viry employee representatives in July
is important to Alpine's management and will be pursued in the upcoming weeks."
Renault F1 engine staff have urged the company not to proceed with plans to stop building its own engines in favour of a Mercedes customer deal
saying such a move would be "betraying" the company's legacy
the name Renault rebranded its team to in 2021
looks set to stop producing engines at its Viry-Chatillon factory after years of uncompetitive results in F1
A final decision is set to be made on Sept
30 but it looks more likely than not the team will confirm a Mercedes deal
Employees at Viry have hit out at that outcome -- a statement sent to ESPN by the Social and Economic Council of Alpine employees in Viry-Chatillon (Conseil Social et Economique) criticised Renault CEO Luca De Meo
The statement said: "Mr De Meo assured us that the soul of the Alpine brand should be nourished by its roots and that there was no question of severing them
"He told us that money was not an issue and that only innovation matters
We fail to understand what justifies dismantling the elite entity that is the Viry-Châtillon factory and betraying its legacy and DNA by implanting a Mercedes heart into our Alpine F1
The announcement of the end of the development and production of French Power Units for Formula 1 is a nonsense
"We cannot accept that Alpine and the Renault Group tarnish their images
De Meo and his board of directors to reverse this decision
It added: "We do not understand what justifies killing this elite entity that is the Viry-Chatillon site and betraying its legend and its DNA by grafting a Mercedes heart into our F1 Alpine [car]
Renault plans to stop producing engines in its Viry-Chatillon factory after years of uncompetitive results in F1.&nbsp;Javier Martinez de la Puente/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images"The announcement of the end of the development and production of French power units for Formula 1 is incomprehensible
"We cannot accept that Alpine and the Renault Group damage their images
De Meo and his board of directors to renounce this decision."
A customer deal would be significantly cheaper for Alpine -- the statement said it would be "a significant direct saving
trading development costs of $120 million for $17 million in annual supply."
But the Viry factory is convinced that Renault's 2026 engine project is loaded with potential
New rules set to come into force for that season are heavily focused on the engine and are likely to be a key performance differentiator
The feeling at Viry has been that early tests of the project have been encouraging
Viry also argued that the majority of Alpine's performance deficit over recent seasons has come from the car development
which is carried out at the team's UK factory at Enstone
rather than from the engines produced in France
the deficit attributed to the power unit accounts for 20% of the car's total shortfall
with the remainder due to the Enstone chassis
which struggles to solidify its structure amid successive changes in direction," it said
it added: "The RE26A is seen by all the Viry-Chatillon teams as a great success
to raise the ambitions of Alpine F1 team."
Alpine is in hot water with the Viry Renault F1 engine staff
Staff at Viry-Chatillon have blasted Renault Group&#8217;s decision to cease the production of engines for the Alpine Formula 1 team at the end of 2025
the Renault Group confirmed on Monday that it will cease producing F1 engines ahead of the new 2026 regulations
A customer deal with Mercedes for 2026 has been touted and Viry will switch its focus on various projects in Renault/Alpine motorsport and automotive activities
As the plan to scrap the Renault F1 project has developed it has met stern opposition
including a protest during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza
Despite plans to continue with an &#8220;F1 monitoring unit,&#8221; the CSE
Social and Economic Committee at Viry has once again voiced its extreme displeasure against Renault Group CEO Luca De Meo&#8217;s actions
 &#8220;All staff representatives, representing the voice of employees and a majority of stakeholders, regret and deplore the decision to stop F1 engines in 2026,&#8221; began the statement (obtained via <a href="https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/renault-faces-staff-backlash-for-ending-f1-engine-project/10659594/">Autosport</a>)
&#8220;This choice is endorsed by the group
&#8220;Partnership solutions were rejected by the group
and the possibility of bringing an already largely developed and promising RE26 engine to the 2026 season.&#8221;
It&#8217;s said that switching from an OEM to a customer F1 outfit could save the Renault group approximately $90 million a year on development costs
The plan all along has been for Viry staff to disperse from F1 to various other projects
be it the Alpine Hypercar programme in the FIA World Endurance Championship
The CSE has responded to such proposals by saying &#8220;the lack of maturity of the projects brought forward and the loss of confidence in management pose a major risk of critical skills leaving the Viry site.&#8221;
the move to scrap the F1 engine project has the CSE fearing jobs will be culled at Viry
&#8220;The history of the Viry site shows that conflicting decisions have often been taken
and demonstrates the importance of maintaining highly qualified skills for the future in order to leave the door open to a return to F1 when the regulations and the financial context of the shareholder make it more attractive,&#8221; the statement added
with it being understood staff levels will dwindle from 500 to 334 on January 1
Viry has been hard at work on a 2026 F1 engine which won&#8217;t be hitting the track amid the Renault Group&#8217;s decision
&#8220;Despite the turmoil of the last two months
the Viry team has continued to develop the power of the 2026 engine that Alpine is depriving itself of,&#8221; the CSE&#8217;s statement continued
&#8220;This decision against the tide causes Alpine to miss out on its sporting history
&#8220;We call on the public authorities to defend the sustainability of employment on the Viry-Chatillon site.&#8221;
READ MORE: <a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/09/30/renault-to-cease-work-on-f1-engine-plans-as-alpine-prepares-for-customer-switch/">Renault to cease work on F1 engine plans as Alpine prepares for customer switch</a>
and website in this browser for the next time I comment
&#916;document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value"
<a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025-formula-1-calendar/">Click here for the full 2025 F1 calendar</a>
<a href="https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025-formula-1-championship-standings/">Click here for full Drivers&#8217; Standings</a>
Alpine has outlined its intentions for the Viry-Chatillon factory
which will undergo a transformation project over the coming months
With Alpine announcing its intentions to move away from manufacturing F1 engines after 2025
bringing to an end over 40 years of F1 power unit manufacturing from the Viry facility
the manufacturer has confirmed the transformation project it will carry out at the engine factory
September 30th was the deadline date for the negotiations between the Renault Group and the employees of Viry-Chatillon
who had made clear their displeasure at the prospect of having the 2026 F1 power unit project pulled
The Renault Group&#8217;s plans to abandon its F1 engine project were met with fierce resistance by Renault staff at Viry
with many of whom going on strike last month as others staging a protest at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza
with the decision described as a “betrayal.”
Last week, CEO Luca de Meo met with the Viry employees as they made a last-gasp attempt to try convincing Renault to continue the F1 engine project after confirmation in July that the <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/alpine">Alpine</a> F1 team intends to move to a customer engine supply deal from 2026 onward
With the deadline reached on the negotiations
the plan for what comes next for Viry has been confirmed by the Renault Group &#8211; the employees have been unsuccessful in getting the Group to change its mind
which was revealed by former F1 team boss Bruno Famin as he stepped aside to oversee the transition at Viry
confirmed Formula 1 activities will continue until the end of 2025 and that development of the 2026 power unit will cease: &#8220;Formula 1 activities at Viry
will continue until the end of the 2025 season.&#8221;
Renault plans to have an &#8220;F1 monitoring unit&#8221; based at the factory
&#8220;Following consultation with the employee representatives at Viry
Alpine has decided to establish an F1 monitoring unit,&#8221; said a statement from the French manufacturer
&#8220;This unit will aim to maintain employees&#8217; knowledge and skills in this sport and remain at the forefront of innovation for Hypertech Alpine&#8217;s various projects.&#8221;
👉 <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/planetf1-whatsapp-channel-f1-breaking-news">Follow PlanetF1.com’s WhatsApp and Facebook channels for all the F1 breaking news!</a>
Hypertech Alpine is the name given to the engineering centre being created at Viry
which will transform into a development centre for ultra-high-performance vehicles and technologies for Alpine and the wider Renault Group
Projects confirmed for Hypertech Alpine include an Alpine Supercar
battery development for ultra-high energy density cells and solid-state batteries
and the Alpine motorsport programme &#8211; these will include the World Endurance Championship
Formula E and rallying (such as Dakar) for partner brands
Viry will thus be transformed into a state-of-the-art engineering centre by late 2024
with every employee affected offered a new position within Alpine Hypertech
&#8220;Creating this Hypertech Alpine centre is key to Alpine&#8217;s development strategy and
to the Group&#8217;s innovation strategy,&#8221; said Alpine CEO Philippe Krief
&#8220;It is a turning point in the history of the Viry-Chatillon site
which will ensure the continuity of a savoir-faire and the inclusion of its rare skills in the Group&#8217;s ambitious future while strengthening Alpine&#8217;s position as an &#8216;innovation garage&#8217;
&#8220;Its racing DNA remains a cornerstone of the brand
thanks particularly to Hypertech Alpine.&#8221;
staff at Viry released an audio recording of the 2026 F1 power unit in development
while members of the representative group &#8211; the Comite Social et Economique &#8211; told PlanetF1.com at Monza that the targets for the engine were being hit
it now appears this power unit will never get to race in F1
with the CSE saying in a statement after its final meeting with De Meo that &#8220;the sky is getting darker by the day&#8221;
Proposals presented to De Meo vowed to “leave it to our governance to decide on an alternative path once the car has been tested in 2026” with an “assurance that the F1 project will be carried out in parallel with the innovation projects proposed by management last July.”
The staff delegation also outlined the challenges facing F1 teams when the regulations are implemented in F1 2026
with the new rules set to “place greater emphasis on integrating the engine with the chassis” and therefore favouring teams that manufacture both the chassis and power unit under one roof
It pointed to the strategic decisions of the Aston Martin (Honda)
Red Bull (Ford) and Sauber (Audi F1) teams
who have struck up new relationships with major automotive manufacturers for F1 2026
as evidence that teams will require “much greater convergence” between the engine/chassis and “technological independence” for the sport’s new era
and the management of energy between the electric motor
as a “major development area” for manufacturers from F1 2026
The statement concluded: “The finishing line is approaching and after the consultative vote on Monday 30 September
Alpine Racing France’s transformation plan could be implemented
“The consequences of this abandonment would be numerous
including the loss of the attractiveness of the Viry-Chatillon site
and also the loss of a worldwide reputation and our French heritage
“Our passion and determination are still intact
Following confirmation of the Renault Group&#8217;s plans for the Viry-Chatillon factory
PlanetF1.com has approached the CSE for comment
Read Next: <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/mercedes-admit-lewis-hamilton-strategy-mistake-singapore-issues">Mercedes admit to Lewis Hamilton strategy ‘mistake’ after Singapore issues</a>
The meeting will take place as De Meo is in the process of making a decision regarding the F1 power unit operations Viry-Châtillon
Since De Meo hired Flavio Briatore as an Executive Advisor
Alpine has bee going through various changes with Bruni Famin replaced as team principal by Oliver Oakes while the French F1 outfit announced that there are plans being evaluated to drop their power unit operations in favor of becoming a customer of Mercedes
The staff at Viry-Châtillon have refused the plans of their bosses and asked De Meo <a href="https://www.grandprix247.com/2024/08/24/renault-f1-engine-staff-demand-de-meo-renounces-decision-to-shut-them-down/">to back down labeling the decision a betrayal</a> while insisting in a statement by the Social and Economic Council of Alpine employees in Viry-Châtillon
that their 2026 power unit project is promising
At the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, <a href="https://www.grandprix247.com/2024/08/30/renault-formula-1-engine-staff-protest-at-monza-viryontrack/">Alpine staff protested</a> over the course of the weekend
as 80% of the employees held a strike at the factory while 100 more travelled to Monza to take part in the peaceful protest
A new report in <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/">Motorsport.com</a> revealed that De Meo has agreed to meet with Viry-Châtillon staff representatives later this week
The Social and Economic Council of Alpine employees said in a statement: &#8220;The social and economic council (CSE) of Alpine Racing
&#8220;The staff representatives thank Mr de Meo for responding favourably to this request,&#8221; the statement added
De Meo insisted a decision is yet to be made
but September 30th has been reported as a final deadline
<a href="https://dailygp.com/fetch/home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
Alpine&#8217;s engine staff from Viry-Chatillon have gathered at Monza to protest against the proposal to shift their work into non-F1 areas
Alpine and the Renault Group confirmed a proposal to transform its F1 engine manufacturing factory at Viry-Chatillon into a manufacturing plant for the wider group
abandoning the F1 2026 engine project in order to take up a customer supply from an external supplier
The news of the proposal has been greeted with dismay by the hundreds of employees at Viry-Chatillon
who have taken to social media in recent weeks to voice their discontent with the situation
PlanetF1.com understands the next crunch date for proposals and counter-arguments to be tabled by both sides is on the 30th of September
with this date serving as a cut-off point for the current negotiations
100 employees who feel frustrated by the actions taken by Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo have travelled
spending their own money to the Monza racetrack
to stage a peaceful protest against the proposed re-assignment of resources at Viry and the cessation of F1 activities in a factory that has manufactured engines for the sport for almost 40 years
The employees are wearing white T-shirts with the message #ViryOnTrack
as well as displaying a banner to advocate for keeping the Renault power unit in F1
Meeting with PlanetF1.com for a conversation about the situation was a spokesperson on behalf of the employees
who have formed a legally protected entity named the Comite Social et Economique to voice their concerns
With no intentions of disrupting the activities of the Alpine F1 team
the CSO employees on the ground at Monza are made up of engine technicians
having worked for Renault as a turbocharger manufacturer before joining the F1 team 10 years ago
His decision to join was one based purely on passion
as he says is similar to many who moved into the F1 manufacturing side of the Renault Group
&#8220;A lot of people from Renault want to do Formula 1 because they are passionate about what they are doing as an automotive manufacturer,&#8221; he said
we had the chance to have an engine manufacturer for Formula 1
That&#8217;s why I came into the Formula 1 business because I&#8217;ve always been dreaming about working in F1.&#8221;
It&#8217;s been a difficult two months for staff at Viry
with rumour and speculation giving way to confirmation from senior figures that they desire to pull the plug on the F1 engine
&#8220;We had a meeting with the top management saying that there is an ongoing project to stop the F1 engine at Viry
So we had that at the end of July,&#8221; Gamberoni explained
&#8220;When you are saying to someone who is a competitor who wants to race against others and want to do it
&#8220;So all the people in Viry took that hard at the shutdown
We all went on our family vacation to just calm down
and now we are preparing actions because we have the feeling that we are not heard enough as Alpine and Viry employees
and we are not heard enough by normal staff management.&#8221;
Speculation from Viry staff has suggested the engines that have already made it to the test bench ahead of the revolutionary F1 2026 engine rules changes are showing signs of hitting and exceeding their benchmarks
and Gamberoni confirmed the many hours of work
&#8220;We think that the engine project for 2026 is a good one because we have data,&#8221; he said
&#8220;We have already the engine running on the dyno
the stars are aligned for us to be a major player in terms of engines with our team at Enstone on the chassis.&#8221;
While jobs appear to be assured at Viry going forward
with no signal from Renault that redundancies are planned as part of the transformation
Gamberoni admitted that the hand the CSO has is &#8220;not strong&#8221; as senior management has said there&#8217;s no intention to touch existing contracts
&#8220;So the 334 hired people who are now in Viry will still hired with other projects because it&#8217;s a transformation,&#8221; he said
is that the first thing we are speaking for is the 334 people who have contracts but we are not speaking about all the contractors who are with us to develop the F1 engine and who are working with us
if the project is decided to stop the F1 engine on the 30th of September
they will not have a job anymore at the end of the year
because Viry has a real value because of F1
Gamberoni believes that the F1 project can live on
directly alongside the work that the Renault Group has proposed for the facility
&#8220;We are not against anything,&#8221; he said
&#8220;We are with our top management if they want to have new projects for us
but we believe that F1 needs to be there to have all those competencies
&#8220;It means also the challenge that F1 brings every day
and then we can work also on other projects and be at the top on this other project
but we think that only other projects at Viry
So that&#8217;s why we are not fully confident in keeping all the jobs.&#8221;
As for how initial discussions have been going with Alpine
Gamberoni explained that direct contact with De Meo hasn&#8217;t been possible and former Alpine F1 team boss Bruno Famin has been the one meeting with the employees at Viry &#8211; as Famin had revealed over the Belgian Grand Prix weekend as he confirmed his future plans
&#8220;There is an open dialogue with the direct management
because he is there every day at the factory
So we have access to him,&#8221; Gamberoni said
and we don&#8217;t have discussion with De Meo directly
Our request is to have the 2026 F1 engine from Viry running in the Alpine in 2026 &#8211; that is the endgame for us
to make him maybe see things differently compared to having a non-risky engine
but to take more risk and to have maybe a better engine
better integrated with a works team with Enstone and Viry working together
&#8220;We have been working one-and-a-half years
on the engine together to make the integration the best as possible
&#8220;So where you are putting the battery
it&#8217;s very important to have a good package
and that&#8217;s something that you cannot have if you&#8217;re a customer from an engine manufacturer.&#8221;
Employees from Viry Chatillon are in the grandstands protesting Alpine’s decision to transform its <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> engine project into manufacturing for the wider Renault Group. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ItalianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ItalianGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/jueVqKlRAg">pic.twitter.com/jueVqKlRAg</a>
&mdash; Thomas Maher (@thomasmaheronf1) <a href="https://twitter.com/thomasmaheronf1/status/1829486425915732221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a>
With almost 40 years of history behind Viry
does Gamberoni believe the proposal is somewhat short-sighted
just because the Alpine F1 team is currently struggling for form with its engine not quite on standard with offerings from the likes of Honda and Mercedes doesn&#8217;t mean Viry can&#8217;t produce a world-class engine again from 2026
&#8220;We cannot answer that,&#8221; he said
If you take that kind of decision for Viry
we are not where we are now because we did not have all the stuff that we have now &#8211; the competencies
&#8220;You see the money that has been spent by our competitors &#8211; Red Bull and Audi &#8211; one billion
Aside from the action being taken at Monza
Gamberoni said the support is strong for it
but it is not a facility-wide strike as engine operatives working at Monza continue to work
The intention hasn&#8217;t been to disrupt the trackside operations
with respectful but determined messaging being the aim
&#8220;They are supporting us for sure but they are not on strike because we want the car to run
and we have some support also from politicians
We want to have a discussion and be sure that we will try to defend our point of view as passionately as we can
&#8220;We are passionate about what we are doing every day
and we will defend it with passion so we don&#8217;t know what we will plan next
to the point of a theoretical engine supply or operations disruption for the F1 team
Gamberoni said it&#8217;s not the intention at this point
&#8220;I cannot answer that,&#8221; he said
&#8220;What I can answer is that we are professional
We are very proud of having the car running and the drivers running and fighting
but fighting still to be in Formula 1 every day
and we want to do our job as best as we can
&#8220;It&#8217;s in our management&#8217;s hands to answer to us
Now we are putting the ball in their court and we are seeing how they will reply
&#8220;We want to bring new arguments to our top management
&#8220;We have been told it&#8217;s a financial decision but we want to show that maybe there is a better financial decision than going with the customer engine
&#8220;But we think that it&#8217;s more in terms of competitiveness
It&#8217;s better to have a works team with an engine done for the chassis
with a very close collaboration between the UK and France
&#8220;We think this argument is worth spending the one hundred million more to do the engine.&#8221;
The Alpine F1 team acknowledged the protest in a short statement published on Thursday evening
&#8220;We are aware of certain actions planned this weekend by the staff of Viry,&#8221; the statement read.&#8221;
we understand that these will be peaceful demonstrations that will not impact the team&#8217;s operations.&#8221;
Read Next:<a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/james-vowles-explains-logan-sargeant-williams-departure">Logan Sargeant ‘reached the limit’ of his ability in brutally honest James Vowles verdict</a>
Renault's decision to end the Alpine Racing engine program for Formula 1 has sparked strong reactions at the Viry-Châtillon factory
The Alpine Racing works committee has released a statement deploring the verdict
© Overtake/Motors Inside / Alpine should be equipped with a Mercedes engine by 2026.The day after the official announcement of the abandonment of its Formula 1 engine
Renault announced the transformation of the Viry-Châtillon unit
releasing the costly development of F1 engines
the factory employees reacted through the Alpine Racing Works Council (CSE)
Opposition to the termination of the F1 program
employee representatives expressed their dissatisfaction: « The entire employee representatives
who voice the employees and a majority of stakeholders
regret and deplore the decision to stop F1 motorization in 2026
motivated by the willingness of the Renault Group to reduce the financial risks related to F1
was not preceded by a serious study on its potential impact on future sales and the brand's prestige
Also read: <a href="/f1/actualite/34875-alpine-abandonne-moteur-renault-f1-2026.html" title="Alpine abandons Renault engine in F1 for 2026" >Alpine abandons Renault engine in F1 for 2026</a>
On September 20, <a href="/f1/actualite/34817-les-salaries-viry-chatillon-ont-pu-rencontrer-luca-meo-pas-davancees-claires-moteur-f1.html" title="Employee representatives had met Luca de Meo" >employee representatives had met Luca de Meo,</a> CEO of the Renault Group
Although concerns persisted about a potential shutdown
the feedback from this meeting had initially been positive
The proposals made by employees rejected by Renault
the Renault board ultimately set aside the proposed solutions
which would have allowed to maintain an F1 activity while reducing costs
this would have also allowed to retain internal skills and continue the development of the promising RE26 engine for the 2026 season
The press release also highlights the uncertainty surrounding the new projects announced for Viry-Châtillon
The staff and budget allocated to the F1 monitoring unit appear to be insufficient
which jeopardizes a possible return of Alpine as an engine supplier in the future
Short-term consequences for the Viry-Châtillon site
The CSE of Alpine Racing France indicates that the transformation of the Viry-Châtillon site
planned under the name "Hypertech Alpine" from the end of 2024
will have immediate consequences on employment
the workforce will drop from 500 to 334 employees with the end of contracts for many service providers
around 100 indirect jobs with key partners will be eliminated by the end of 2024
The Alpine Mechanical Excellence Contest (CEMA)
The CSE concludes by expressing concerns about the future of the Viry-Châtillon site
and the loss of confidence in the management pose a major risk of critical skills leaving
the team has continued to develop the 2026 engine
the CSE unanimously issued a negative opinion on the transformation project
They also call on the public authorities to defend the sustainability of jobs on the site
Stay informed on all the biggest stories in Formula 1.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/newsletters/prime-tire/?source=footer">Sign up here</a>&nbsp;to receive the Prime Tire newsletter in your inbox every Monday and Friday
Italy — Alpine’s Formula One employees based at Viry-Châtillon
are expected to mobilize a peaceful protest on Friday in Monza and at the factory
The protest concerns a proposed “transformation project,” which includes potentially ending the <a class="ath_autolink" data-id="54" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/formula-1/">F1</a> engine program to become a customer that buys engines from another team in 2026
The Athletic understands that it is not a full work stoppage
Alpine’s F1 team released the following statement
“We are aware of some activities planned this weekend from staff of Viry,” the statement reads
“We understand from their communication these will be peaceful protests and will not impact team operations
The transformation project is still being evaluated and no decision has been taken yet by Alpine’s management
is important to Alpine’s management and will be pursued in the upcoming weeks.”
the group representing workers at the Viry-Châtillon facility
organized a trip for some employees to make the trip to Italy
At least one group will have “a banner with a clear and non-aggressive message
advocating for the retention of a French engine in F1,” according to the Works Council
Those involved will wear “a white t-shirt with the Alpine logo
and a black armband.” The Works Council indicated that some trackside employees may wear the black armband “if possible.” Additionally
“No action will prevent track operations from taking place.”
employees will display signs at Viry-Châtillon
and local officials are expected to be present
Renault started producing F1 engines in the 1970s
it emerged that the company was considering changing its role from engine manufacturer to customer team
The Viry-Châtillon teams began working on the 2026 engine in 2022
and the first start happened midway this year
According to a press release from the Works Council
even though a third of the validated items have yet to be introduced at this stage on the V6.”
Top photo: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
It seems the Renault-owned Alpine F1 team are destined for radical changes
as the top management in the French car manufacturer plot the future of their struggling F1 operation
Renault CEO Luca de Meo has recently hired Flavio Briatore as an Executive Advisor
to help set the path for the future of Alpine in F1
Briatore has led the Enstone-based team in the past when it was known as Benetton and then Renault winning Titles with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso
He was banned from the sport after the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix crashgate
Briatore order his driver Nelson Piquet Jr to crash to get a Safety Car out which would benefit teammate Fernando Alonso who went on to win the race
Briatore was banned alongside the team&#8217;s tech boss at the time Pat Symonds who returned to F1 in several roles his latest heading the technical side within Formula One Management
Briatore on the other hand managed to overturn the rule
but remained lurking in the background of F1 until his ultimate return with Alpine
<a href="https://www.motorsport.com/">Motorsport.com</a> reported that Alpine employees at Enstone and Renault engine employees at Viry-Châtillon have been informed of re-assessment of the situation for the future
It seems that Briatore is pushing for Renault to abandon its F1 power unit operation and distribute the redundant employees as a result over other areas of the Renault group while seeking to become a customer team in terms of engines
There have been talks that a deal for engine supply is close with Mercedes, with <a href="https://www.grandprix247.com/2024/07/06/toto-wolff-claims-mercedes-are-open-minded-to-supply-alpine-with-engines-renault-f1/">Toto Wolff revealing</a> they are open to supply Alpine with power units
The reports also claim the deal would be extended to cover other car parts such as the suspension and gearboxes
and depending on fast it can be concluded could be effective from 2025
Become part of the largest racing community in the United Kingdom
Staff at Viry have made a representation over Renault&#039;s plans to axe its engine project
Renault staff at Viry-Chatillon have made a representation voicing opposition to plans to close down the F1 engine operation
In a bid to improve the on-track performance of the Alpine team
Renault laid out a plan before F1's summer break whereby it would end the F1 power unit division at Viry and revert the team back to customer status for the all-new 2026 technical regulations.&nbsp;
Alpine would most likely become a Mercedes customer alongside McLaren and Williams
with a slot opening up as Aston Martin moves to become the Honda works operation
Team principal Bruno Famin stepped down after the Belgian Grand Prix to focus on preparing Viry
with a final decision expected on whether to shelve the F1 engine department expected at the end of September.&nbsp;
The engine programme at Viry has been producing a supply of F1 engines since Renault first entered F1 back in 1977
with Renault looking into the possibility of transferring staff to other Renault projects
and a potential sale has also been suggested.&nbsp;
the Social and Economic Council of Alpine employees in Viry-Chatillon has issued a statement
voicing is displeasure at Renault's planned closure
"The Group's management plans to stop the 2026 programme at Viry-Chatillon and opt for an engine supply
probably from Mercedes," read the statement
trading development costs of $120 million for $17 million in annual supply
"We do not understand what justifies killing this elite entity that is the Viry-Chatillon site and betraying its legend and its DNA by grafting a Mercedes heart into our F1 Alpine [car]
[Luca] De Meo and his board of directors to renounce this decision."
Renault was one of the manufacturers to signal its intention to race in the 2026 season when the all-new power units will be introduced
Suppliers are currently testing and developing these new units which will feature the removal of the MGU-H and beefed-up electrical systems.&nbsp;
the Viry workers pointed to some promising early runs on the new generation of engine
with Renault's current offering being under-powered
but with it unable to add performance upgrades due to the engine freeze
one and a half years after the genesis of the project," said the statement
which pointed to no major reliability concerns and a power output of around 400kw
"The RE26A is seen by all the Viry-Chatillon teams as a great success
Is Renault making the right choice with its plans to end its F1 power unit operation ahead of 2026
Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll and in the comments
In the latest episode of the RacingNews365 podcast
Nick and Sam look ahead to the return of F1 at this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix
Max Verstappen's chance to end Lando Norris' title dream is discussed
as well as the pressure on Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo
Rather watch the podcast? Then <a href="https://youtu.be/Jyx_G4YCBGk">CLICK HERE!</a>
Sign up for the daily digest and/or weekly newsletter and we&#039;ll make sure that you are fully up to date with the latest news from the Formula 1 world
Find the <a href="https://racingnews365.com/f1-news">latest F1 news</a> and news from other motorsport series at RacingNews365.com
the world's leading independent F1 website providing daily F1 coverage
Check out the <a href="https://racingnews365.com/formula-1-calendar-2025" target="_blank">2025 F1 calendar</a> for an overview of all the races, with extensive background and real-time information.&nbsp;
Follow RacingNews365 on your favorite social media channels!
Before he stepped down as team boss in the past few days, Bruno Famin admitted at Spa that Renault&#39;s works team was treading very carefully as it plots a new course as a paying user of customer power units for 2026.
That means the end of the works engine operations at Viry-Chatillon.
For the time being, nothing is done, Famin insisted.  &quot;In France, we have unions and a very strict social process.  And we cannot take any decision until having reached the end of that process.
I mean, we are talking to some PU manufacturers, but we cannot sign anything until this process is over.
He insists that the 350 staff at Viry will all be transferred to other jobs, but that doesn&#39;t mean those who work on the soon-to-be defunct engine program are not furious.
We did not see this coming, union representative Karine Dubreucq, who works at Viry, told L&#39;Equipe.  &quot;This is a stab in the back - pure betrayal.
We have developed engines here that were good enough to become world champions many times, and now that's not possible anymore? she added.  They didn't even wait for the test bench.
Famin said at the Belgian GP that Renault&#39;s 2026 engine project has actually been proceeding very well, with one team member telling L&#39;Equipe: &quot;We think it will be equal to the Mercedes.
In the worst case, there would be a difference of 15 horsepower.  We have redesigned everything in the turbo.
As for union rep Dubreucq, she thinks the unrest at Viry could have consequences for the Alpine team a lot sooner than is planned.  There are already those reporting sick, she said.  This is going to cause damage.
Another factory employee is even warning of the possibility of staff strikes.
We might not be able to start the cars, that source is quoted as warning.  If we stop now, there will never be a Renault engine in F1 again.
Ouest-France newspaper speculates: Alpine could go on strike over the engine issue.  This is a brutal decision for the 350 people involved, who deserve the right to react.
Meanwhile, Osterreich newspaper is reporting the possibility that Alpine might lose the backing of major sponsor BWT, an Austrian water treatment system manufacturer.
The potential replacement?: The adult sex worker network OnlyFans.
The premier class of motorsport could soon have an erotic racing team, the newspaper correspondent joked.
Workers at Alpine’s engine HQ at Viry-Chatillon are set to down tools for a number of hours, while a protest is planned in the grandstands at Monza ahead of the <a href="https://topgear.com/car-news/formula-one/italian-grand-prix-whos-gonna-win-lando-or-max">Italian Grand Prix this weekend</a>
Staff in the garage might also wear black armbands in solidarity
but the team’s race operations shouldn’t be impacted in any way
Alpine has insisted that ending its engine programme - which began life almost half a century ago and is the second-most successful in F1 history with 12 constructors’ titles - is just an idea at this stage
and that a final decision on its future hasn’t been taken
But the signs aren’t promising: it’s widely accepted that Renault’s engine is the weakest on the grid, having fallen behind those of Mercedes, Ferrari and even Honda, which overcame woeful reliability at the start of the turbo-hybrid era to <a href="https://www.topgear.com/car-news/motorsport/max-verstappen-f1-champion-2021">power Max Verstappen to his maiden title in 2021</a>
READ MORE<a href="/car-news/formula-one/alpine-has-promoted-jack-doohan-f1-grid-2025" data-islisticle="true" class="Link-sc-19el6d4-3 esaPBI">Alpine has promoted Jack Doohan to the F1 grid for 2025</a>
A new generation of engine regs with even more hybrid power will be implemented in 2026, and it’s thought that Renault Group boss Luca de Meo has been convinced that the team’s best shot at glory is as a customer team.
Historically customer teams have never prevailed over their suppliers in F1, but McLaren buys its power units from Mercedes… and just look how the constructors' championship is shaping up at the moment. Yeah.
Not having to design, develop and build a bunch of very expensive engines would also save quite a bit of cash. And who wants to spend hundreds of millions of dollars just to finish second (or worse)?
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox.
Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Look out for your regular round-up of news
No money from the licence fee was used to create this website
The profits we make from it go back to BBC programme-makers to help fund great new BBC programmes
BBC is a trademark of the British Broadcasting Corporation
I agree to the use of cookies and similar technologies to serve relevant advertising and improve my service
Pay to read The Race without adverts or cookies used for personalised ads
By logging in, you agree to our use of third-party and analytics cookies to enhance your experience and improve our services. For more details, please review our <a href="/privacy-policy/" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a>
Renault looks increasingly likely to drop its works Formula 1 engine as its Alpine team focuses on closing a Mercedes customer deal
Ex-Renault F1 boss Flavio Briatore was <a href="https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/alpine-brings-briatore-back-into-f1-in-new-role/" rel="noreferrer">appointed executive advisor</a> for F1 to company CEO Luca de Meo last month and has made it a priority to re-evaluate its engine strategy
It quickly emerged Renault could <a href="https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/whats-the-point-if-renaults-f1-team-rejects-its-own-engines/" rel="noreferrer">abandon its own works engine</a> - which has been uncompetitive throughout the V6 turbo-hybrid era - and pursue being a customer instead
The rationale is Renault and Alpine are wasting money on an unsuccessful engine when the more efficient and competitive choice is to take a supply from someone else
as McLaren is proving with Mercedes power that a customer team can be a frontrunner in the V6 turbo-hybrid era
No official announcement is expected until after F1’s August summer break because of the protracted timeline for agreeing all the details of a Mercedes deal
and concluding all the associated discussions around shutting down the F1 engine that is designed and built in Alpine’s Viry-Chatillon facility in France
The Race understands that steps are being taken with that outcome in mind
While Briatore has been gung-ho with his pursuit of the Mercedes deal
Renault needs to seriously evaluate the consequences of abandoning its F1 engine programme
no final decision has been made or communicated internally
It is understood that a transformation of the Viry facility is being formally explored
with a study to determine how personnel and resources could be redirected to benefit the Alpine brand
The priority will be to ensure that nobody is at risk of losing their job
the human and technical resources at Viry can be redeployed for various upcoming hydrogen and electric technology projects
and there are other Renault-backed motorsport projects there as well - primarily the engine for the Alpine World Endurance Championship Hypercar programme
It has been reported by the Motorsport Network that this could all be concluded in time for Alpine to have a Mercedes engine in 2025
not least because of the significant undertaking it would be to accommodate the Mercedes engine and associated components in a car designed around something else
The same story has indicated that the nature of the supply will be the same as Aston Martin’s
and therefore include a gearbox and rear suspension - which will have consequences for Alpine’s chassis base at Enstone
given it currently produces those components itself
Going in the customer direction sooner or later
means abandoning the 2026 F1 engine that has been under development at Viry for a long time already
and that Alpine team boss Bruno Famin had insisted last month he was “quite happy” with
“We have quite high-level targets,” Famin said at June’s Spanish Grand Prix
the first race after Briatore’s arrival had been confirmed and speculation about the engine project emerged
“For the time being we are optimistic in our ability to reach that target
Alpine has had no choice but to continue this development while awaiting a final decision and formalising the details of its new strategy
and switching to being a customer is not necessarily an admission that the 2026 engine was set to be another disappointment - just that it is not in Renault's best interests to have a fully-fledged works team anymore
It reflects a desire to make the F1 programme as cost-effective and successful as possible
even if that means relinquishing the kind of control and potential that most teams yearn for
Many in F1 still believe that there is a long-term intention to offload the team given decoupling it from Viry and having a high-quality engine supply with Mercedes does make it easier to sell eventually
the short-term priority for Renault and Alpine is obviously to conclude its new engine strategy - as it now looks like a matter of when
Please accept marketing cookies to enable YouTube videos
Alpine’s Formula 1 team looks set to have its third team boss in just over 12 months
with Oliver Oakes the leading candidate to replace Bruno Famin
This weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix marks a year since Famin was named interim team principal
when Alpine unexpectedly announced mid-event that Otmar Szafnauer was being replaced along with long-serving Alan Permane
Famin then took the job full-time for 2024 despite the intention being to find someone else
He added the team boss role to a broader responsibility as vice-president of Alpine motorsport – on top of his existing job in charge of the Viry-Chatillon engine division
Those changes therefore gave Famin the most senior day-to-day positions at Enstone and Viry
although Eric Meignan was hired last October to be technical director at Viry
as well as oversight of the F1 programme as a whole reporting to his CEO Philippe Krief
Famin’s tenure at the head of the engine division included the massive overhaul of Renault's power unit for 2022, which cut some of its deficit but still left it around 30bhp down on rivals, and the ongoing disappointment of the Renault V6 turbo-hybrid project <a href="https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/renault-set-to-drop-works-f1-engine-alpine-mercedes-deal-close/" rel="noreferrer">is set to result in it being abandoned.</a>
Alpine is in discussions over a Mercedes customer engine deal with a study under way to explore how to best utilise Viry
which in reality means cutting the F1 engine and repurposing staff and resources
Alpine’s car has dropped in competitiveness
and while Alpine has at least made itself a contender for points again
Finishing there would be the worst result for a full works programme since Renault was ninth in its first year back in F1 with this entry in 2016 (although McLaren was also ninth in 2017 while using works Honda engines)
While responsibility for this cannot be attributed entirely to one person
Famin has had seniority across the board for Renault’s works team and has failed to integrate the two sides
while the programme is weaker as a whole than 12 months ago
That raises questions of Renault CEO Luca de Meo
given his various appointments during the Alpine era have resulted in consistent underachievement and high turnover of senior management
Famin is now widely expected to leave the team
although it is not yet clear if he is stepping down or being forced out like the others
with junior single-seater boss Oakes said by multiple sources to be set to replace him
a world karting champion and former Red Bull junior in his own racing career
leads the Hitech operation he founded in 2015 and that has had success throughout the single-seater pyramid
It applied for an entry to the F1 grid as part of the FIA’s expressions of interest process last season but was unsuccessful
Renault’s Viry-Chatillon-based staff is planning on demonstrating against <a href="https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/what-we-have-learned-about-renaults-f1-engine-plans/10639117/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alpine’s plan to become a Mercedes customer</a> in Formula 1’s new engine era from 2026 onwards
The French brand is poised to end its F1 engine project
which has been a mainstay of the world championship for the past 47 years
This led the Social and Economic Council (CSE) of Alpine employees <a href="https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/renault-engine-staff-call-for-rethink-over-f1-engine-betrayal/10646948/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to publish a scathing statement last week</a>
lamenting Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo’s call as “betraying its legend and its DNA by grafting a Mercedes heart into our F1 Alpine [car]”
The decision could be confirmed on 30 September
with engine employees calling out the Renault leadership for allegedly ignoring their attempts to engage in dialogue
PLUS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/why-the-biggest-change-alpines-chiefs-want-to-see-isnt-its-engines/10648635/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Why the biggest change Alpine’s chiefs want to see isn’t its engines</a>
Viry-Chatillon employees are ramping up their fight to save their F1 future and are planning peaceful protests this weekend as the championship convenes in Monza
The CSE has announced that Alpine Racing collaborators will gather in the grandstands on Friday
displaying “a clear and non-aggressive message advocating for the continuation of a French engine in F1”
They will be wearing white shirts sporting the Alpine logo and the #ViryOnTrack message
The CSE has clarified that this action will not disrupt track activity in any way
the CSE is also warning that “a large majority” of Renault’s engine staff at Viry-Chatillon will go on strike simultaneously and express its discontent “in a respectful but determined atmosphere”
Photo by: Andrew Ferraro / <a href="https://www.motorsportimages.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Motorsport Images</a>
Whether the strike will affect Alpine’s prospects in the Italian Grand Prix
Both Alpine F1 drivers were unsurprisingly asked about the conflict in their respective media sessions on Thursday in the Monza paddock and were cautious not to take sides
Keen to focus on driving, Haas-bound&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autosport.com/driver/esteban-ocon/840488/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Esteban Ocon</a> commented: “It is
And I hope that there will be some conversations between the parties.”
Pierre Gasly added: “I have absolutely no power or control over that situation
and the best thing I can do to every employee of the team is perform the best way I can on the track
To give them the rewards of all the hard work that every single employee is doing
That's my role in the team and that's what I'll focus on.”
hopefully everyone will come out of it with a good option.”
A statement from Alpine read:&nbsp;“We are aware of some activities planned this weekend from staff of Viry
"The transformation project is still being evaluated and no decision has been taken yet by Alpine’s management
is important to Alpine’s management and will be pursued in the upcoming&nbsp;weeks.”
Watch: How Norris Dominated Zandvoort by Such a Margin -- F1 2024 Dutch GP Analysis
Alpine&#8217;s power unit staff have shared audio of their F1 2026 engine being fired up
as confirmation about the future of the Viry factory remains unclear
The Renault Group made clear its intentions to switch to a customer power unit for F1 2026
and transform the power unit manufacturing factory at Viry-Chatillon into a manufacturing hub for Renault&#8217;s automotive work
As revealed by PlanetF1.com over the Italian Grand Prix weekend
a key objective of the employees at Viry-Chatillon has been to meet with Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo in order to present their case as to why F1 activities should continue at the factory
Viry has been in the business of constructing Formula 1 engines for over 40 years
with the employees eager to continue that legacy and honour its legacy by continuing to build engines to represent the Renault Group in F1 &#8211; particularly as a Renault-owned Formula 1 team remains in the sport
De Meo travelled to Viry to meet with the employees
who say they are still awaiting a verdict on the proposal put to them to begin the transformation process
A statement was released by the employees of Viry
as a legal entity known as the Comite Social et Economique (CSE)
&#8220;Following their meeting with Mr. De Meo, the <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/alpine">Alpine</a> Racing staff representatives would like to thank Renault Group management for the opportunity to discuss matters with them and for the quality of the discussions during the meeting,&#8221; they stated
&#8220;The efforts and concrete proposals put forward by the Viry-Chatillon delegation seem to have resonated with Renault Group management
which is continuing to consider the question of maintaining F1 activities at the French site
the threat of a halt to F1 engine development in France remains
and the risk of losing unique know-how persists at a time when the industry in France needs to support its talents and consolidate its national collaborative network
&#8220;Staff representatives remain mobilised
Preparations for future actions are continuing and we will be communicating on this subject in the coming days.&#8221;
The meeting comes on the same day the staff released an audio clip of their F1 2026 engine
which is claimed to be exceeding the benchmarks of performance set at this point
🚨Ceci est une exclusivité, le moteur 2026 en pleine accélération. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViryOnTrack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViryOnTrack</a> <a href="https://t.co/lWmS74HulH">pic.twitter.com/lWmS74HulH</a>
&mdash; La Voix De Viry (@LaVoixDeViry) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaVoixDeViry/status/1837130806352847262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2024</a>
👉 <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/alpine-viry-chatillon-strike-italian-grand-prix-clement-gamberoni">Explained: The inside story on the Alpine staff protest at the Italian Grand Prix</a>
said he believes the F1 project can live on
“We are with our top management if they want to have new projects for us
“It means also the challenge that F1 brings every day
So that’s why we are not fully confident in keeping all the jobs.”
Our request is to have the 2026 F1 engine from Viry running in the Alpine in 2026 – that is the endgame for us
better integrated with a works team with Enstone and Viry working together.&#8221;
Read Next: <a href="https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-verstappen-no-words-fia-swearing-punishment">Max Verstappen has ‘no words’ for FIA punishment over misconduct infringement</a>
For a while, there have been rumors that the top management at Renault, aka CEO Luca de Meo, have been <a href="https://www.grandprix247.com/2024/07/25/renault-evaluating-future-of-its-f1-engine-factory/">contemplating the future path</a> for their struggling Alpine F1 Team
and Flavio Briatore was brought in as executive advisor to help plot that path
the situation at Alpine started to unravel as reports about Renault deciding to stop the F1 power unit production and Famin leaving intensified
Indeed all was confirmed on Friday, as <a href="https://www.grandprix247.com/2024/07/26/famin-on-his-way-out-of-alpine/">Alpine announced</a> Famin would step down from his F1 role to focus on other motorsport activities
As for the other plans regarding dropping the Renault power unit and Alpine becoming a customer team
Famin all but confirmed that was the direction that has been set with execution pending the procedure dictated by French labor law and union requirements
Speaking in the F1 team representatives press conference
Famin said: &#8220;The latest is that we have presented a project
It&#8217;s a transformation project at the level of the Alpine brand
with seven new models in the coming years with high-end technology
very ambitious to build this new sporting brand and to make it known outside of France
&#8220;And then the project which has been presented at the beginning of the week to the staff representative in Viry-Châtillon is to reallocate the resources from one side to another
one side being the development of the Formula 1 power unit
to dedicate those resources and skills to developing new technologies for the brand
would be then for Alpine F1 team to buy a power unit instead of developing its own power unit
And then we&#8217;ll have more resources to develop the brand and a different power unit to race for the Formula 1 team,&#8221; he pointed out
Famin was then asked about the timelines and their plans for procuring an F1 power unit
he said: &#8220;The project which has been presented to the staff representative in Viry and to different governance bodies
is talking about &#8217;26 onwards on the power unit
we are talking to different PU manufacturers
&#8220;We cannot take any decision until having reached the end of that process
but we cannot sign anything until this process is over
if I was not correct enough the first time,&#8221; Famin added when asked if French labor unions requirements may delay the process
We are following all the mandatory steps and there is no reason not to make it properly
&#8220;A very important thing in the project which has been presented: every single employee will be offered a job
There is no redundancy at all,&#8221; he declared
&#8220;And we are doing everything to make potentially
this kind of thing,&#8221; Famin concluded
Since returning to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2016, Renault F1 Team has been improving continuously, as the results show: from 9th position in 2016, the team climbed to 6th in 2017, and finished 4th last year. Renault F1 Team, determined to push ahead, unveiled its 2019 action plan. A look back to this yellow-and-black day, as if you were there!
Since 2016, Renault F1 Team has been investing significantly in its Enstone (UK) and Viry-Châtillon (France) centers. In the UK, production capacity has increased, thanks mainly to new machine tools, a wind tunnel and a gearbox test-bed. These ultramodern facilities are backed by a recruitment campaign that increased headcount by about 50%.
Because excellence in F1 is also, and mainly, a human endeavor. The group spirit at Renault F1 Team is striking. All focused on a single goal: to go on improving.
Nico Hülkenberg and Daniel Ricciardo are the stable’s key motivators. There was a special spark of excitement at the 2019 season pre-briefing.
Alpine announced that the Viry-Chatillon facility outside Paris
would become a ‘Hypertech’ centre of engineering with their F1 engine production ending next year 
I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our <a href="/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html" class="sc-141s52x-0 gKwTSi">Privacy notice</a>
<a href="/topic/renault">Renault</a> will end their Formula One engine production after the 2025 season, with the French carmaker’s <a href="/topic/alpine">Alpine</a> team set to race with power units made by another manufacturer
Alpine announced in a statement on Monday that the Viry-Chatillon facility outside Paris, which employs more than 300 staff, would become a ‘Hypertech’ centre of engineering. It will include the establishment of an ‘<a href="/topic/f1">F1</a> monitoring unit’
will continue until the end of the 2025 season," it said
"Each employee affected by this transformation project will be proposed a new position within Alpine Hypertech."
<a href="/topic/mercedes">Mercedes</a> are believed to be the frontrunners to supply Alpine with engines from 2026 onwards, with talks ongoing.
Alpine, ninth in the championship after repeated changes of leadership, are the only team using Renault power units. Their Formula One chassis factory is at Enstone in the United Kingdom.
Alpine said the FI monitoring unit would "aim to maintain employees’ knowledge and skills in this sport and remain at the forefront of innovation for Hypertech Alpine’s various projects."
Employees at Viry accused Renault management in August of wanting to buy in Mercedes engines from 2026 to reduce direct costs by more than $100m. 
"We fail to understand what justifies dismantling the elite entity that is the Viry-Chatillon factory and betraying its legacy and DNA by implanting a Mercedes heart into our Alpine F1," the works council said then in a statement .
"The announcement of the end of the development and production of French power units for Formula One is a nonsense."
There was no immediate reaction to Monday’s announcement and there was no mention of any deal with Mercedes in the Alpine statement.
There has also been speculation that Renault could sell the team, although executive adviser and former boss Flavio Briatore said in August that would not happen.
"Creating this Hypertech Alpine centre is key to Alpine’s development strategy and, more broadly, to the Group’s innovation strategy," said Alpine CEO Philippe Krief in the statement.
"It is a turning point in the history of the Viry-Chatillon 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."
Formula One championship leaders McLaren use Mercedes engines, as do Williams, Aston Martin and Mercedes’ factory team.
Aston are due to switch to Honda in 2026 when the sport introduces a new power unit, opening up a potential customer vacancy with Mercedes.
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
two Parisian suburbs&mdash;Grigny and Viry-Chatillon&mdash;have been tapping into reliable
We recently helped these communities expand their geothermal heating capacity by using an innovative technology originally developed for drilling oil and gas wells
Grigny and Viry-Chatillon, both just south of central Paris, have faced significant &ldquo;<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/fuel-poverty" target="_blank">fuel poverty</a>&rdquo; challenges in recent years
with heating costs representing more than half of expenses for some residents.&nbsp;
Faced with rising costs of conventional energy sources for heating
the communities turned to geothermal to provide a solution
Both Grigny and Viry-Chatillon sit atop the Dogger Reservoir
which offers the city of Paris and surrounding environs access to the greatest density of geothermal heat in the world
the intercommunal syndicate in the greater Paris region for energy and communication networks
initiated an expansion project to connect surrounding municipalities to geothermal district heating
Sipperec&rsquo;s majority-owned renewable energy company
was handed the task of managing the project&rsquo;s operations.&nbsp;
a well-known geothermal drilling engineering and development company in France
to drill two successful geothermal wells for the expansion project
Not only was the location of the new geothermal wells close to other wells but also the production layers of the target reservoir were razor thin
It became clear to the engineering team early in the project that conventional drilling techniques would not deliver sufficient flow for production.&nbsp;
To precisely target the thin reservoir, our <a href="https://www.slb.com/resource-library/case-study-with-navigation/sne/periscope-hd-geothermal-france-cs">PeriScope HD&trade; well placement technology was deployed</a>&nbsp;to deliver ultrahigh resolution
real-time data for more precise reservoir boundary and layer detection
which has been used extensively for drilling horizontal shale oil and gas wells
helped the driller sustain a more accurate trajectory inside the reservoir
leading to an increase in the flow rate and water production
&ldquo;This was only the second subhorizontal geothermal doublet architecture completed in the Paris Basin,&rdquo; said Pierre Ungemach Chairman/CEO of GPC IP/GEOFLUID
&ldquo;The Grigny project achieved significant progress in optimizing the well placement by implementing SLB&rsquo;s technology.&rdquo;
we were able to meet the operator&rsquo;s target for productive/injective capacity in a locally sensitive
poorly productive reservoir environment,&rdquo; added Miklos Antics
Managing Director of GPC IP/GEOFLUID.&nbsp;
&ldquo;This well placement technology unlocks geothermal potential in areas that were previously uneconomical,&rdquo; said Olivier Peyret
SLB&rsquo;s New Energy Director for Europe
&ldquo;This is a crucial component in scaling up geothermal project developments in new regions around the world.&rdquo;
The two geothermal wells completed as part of the expansion project will provide 65% renewable energy to more than 8,000 homes on a district heating network of more than 20,000 homes.&nbsp;
Not only will this provide more affordable heating for these communities
it also will reduce CO2 emissions from the towns of Grigny and Viry-Chatillon by 15,000 tons each year&mdash;the equivalent of removing the emissions of 700 cars
You don't have permission to access the page you requested
What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed
Americans may cross the water as much as they like
but it is an ocean of time as well as space that separates us from our origins
Nigel Farage says Labour has “no intention” of stopping illegal crossings
The Taliban could be using money from human trafficking to finance terrorist acts
Photo: Chabe01, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0">CC BY-SA 4.0</a>
Multicultural France is once again, for the <a href="https://www.bfmtv.com/politique/emmanuel-macron-on-a-une-forme-de-violence-desinhibee-chez-nos-adolescents-et-parfois-de-plus-en-plus-jeune_VN-202404050464.html">second time</a> in a matter of days
Islamist-inspired attack on a teenage student.&nbsp;
Following last week’s brutal attack that saw 15-year-old Shamseddine beaten to death outside his secondary school in the Parisian suburb of Viry-Châtillon
four suspects have been arrested and charged with murder
the public prosecutor’s office announced on April 8th
the leader of Rassemblement National’s deputies in parliament
took to social media to express indignation at the Macron government for what she perceives as the passive role it played in the tragic killing.&nbsp;&nbsp;
“Dying at 15 after a savage ambush near his school
My condolences to the family of the Viry-Châtillon teenager
When will the government finally take the measure of this savagery that is eating away at our society?” she wrote on X.&nbsp;
Mourir à 15 ans après un guet-apens sauvage près de son collège
La folie meurtrière n&#39;a donc plus de limites
Condoléances à la famille de l’adolescent de Viry-Châtillon
Quand le gouvernement prendra-t-il enfin la mesure de cet ensauvagement qui ronge la société 
while addressing the attack on Friday during an appearance on BFMTV
failed to acknowledge the attack’s link to Islamism and migration
He told the television station: &#8220;We have a form of uninhibited violence among our teenagers and sometimes younger and younger.” Schools
must be better protected from such acts of violence and should be a “sanctuary for children
Rassemblement National President Jordan Bardella reacted to the attack by saying it was part of a wider “Islamist offensive and outburst of violence” facing French schools
“It needs to be stopped immediately,” he went on
adding that the Macron’s government’s “firm words would not be enough.” Putting a stop to these incidents should be turned into a “national cause,” he concluded
one of the “several boys” who was “instructed to no longer come into contact” with the girl
had responded by telling others at the school that “he could speak to her freely,” the public prosecutor said
After catching wind of what the 15-year-old boy had said
the two brothers along with two other hood individuals
intercepted Shamseddine as he was leaving music class and beat him unconscious before fleeing the scene
a passerby found the victim and called emergency services
They then quickly transported the boy to the hospital
where medical staff admitted him to intensive care
he succumbed to his injuries the following night
shortly after the suspects—two 17-year-olds
and a 15-year-old girl—had been arrested and taken into police custody.&nbsp;
four of the five suspects were charged with murder
a 15-year-old girl and sister of one of the alleged attackers
is under investigation for &#8220;willful failure to prevent a crime.” All of the charged suspects remain in custody.&nbsp;
The ‘honor murder’ came just days after a similar incident in Montpellier, in the south of France, that saw a <a href="https://www.lefigaro.fr/faits-divers/collegienne-agressee-a-montpellier-trois-mineurs-interpelles-la-victime-auditionnee-ce-jeudi-20240404">14-year-old schoolgirl beaten into a coma</a> by a group of her peers who believed she presented herself in a way that was insufficiently Muslim— or too Western
in the days and weeks leading up to the assault
she had been incessantly bullied and harassed by her attackers who hurled insults like “infidel” and “whore” at her for her European style of dress.&nbsp;
Shamsedinne’s family has asked that their privacy be respected as they bury their son on Tuesday
A marche blanche (“white march”)—a solemn tribute march to his memory—will be held in Viry-Châtillon on Friday