Official: Alpine ends Renault engine building role in Formula 1

This move marks a turning point for Alpine’s F1 operations, which have been divided between two main facilities: the chassis-focused division in Enstone, UK, and the engine-focused division in Viry-Chatillon, France.

After more than four decades of engine production in Viry-Chatillon, which began when Renault entered the sport in the 1970s, the facility will no longer manufacture F1 power units post-2025.

Instead, the Enstone factory will take center stage for Alpine’s F1 efforts, with an engine supply deal expected to be finalized in anticipation of the new 2026 regulations. While there has been speculation about a potential partnership with Mercedes, no official agreement has been announced.

The Viry-Chatillon site will undergo a transformation to become ‘Hypertech Alpine’, a cutting-edge engineering center dedicated to developing high-performance vehicles and advanced technologies for both Alpine and the Renault Group. Alpine stated that this new facility will bring together global talent to drive innovation, aligning with the company’s future ambitions.

The transition is reportedly being handled through a constructive consultation process with employee representatives, and all staff affected by the closure of the power unit department will be offered new roles within the Hypertech initiative.

Additionally, an 'F1 monitoring unit' will be established to retain expertise and ensure continued innovation at the forefront of both motorsport and high-performance engineering.

Alpine CEO Philippe Krief emphasized the importance of the project, describing it as a pivotal moment for the Viry-Chatillon site and Alpine’s broader strategy. "Creating this Hypertech Alpine centre is key to Alpine’s development strategy and, more broadly, to the Group’s innovation strategy.

"It will ensure the continuity of our savoir-faire and secure our rare skills for the ambitious future of the Group," Kried added.

The announcement comes amid ongoing internal changes within the Renault-owned Alpine team, including the recent return of Flavio Briatore, who was brought on as Executive Advisor earlier this year.

Known for his successful (albeit highly controversial) past with Benetton and Renault, Briatore’s role includes scouting talent and advising on key strategic decisions. He also appointed Oliver Oakes as Team Principal, replacing Bruno Famin in the latest of several leadership changes.

Currently, Alpine sits ninth in the 2024 Formula 1 constructors’ standings, having scored 13 points across 18 rounds. With these changes, Alpine hopes to position itself as a key player in both motorsport and the high-tech automotive industry moving forward.