Renault has officially announced the end of its Formula 1 engine operations as it shifts focus ahead of the new rules set for 2026. After months of speculation, the decision came following ongoing discussions about a customer power unit deal with Mercedes. The company's engine facility in Viry-Chatillon, near Paris, will be repurposed into the Hypertech Alpine Centre. This new engineering hub will focus on advancing technologies for future Renault and Alpine vehicles, including the development of an Alpine Supercar, enhancements in battery technology, and research on electric motors.
Viry will also continue to support Renault's other motorsport initiatives, including Alpine's participation in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Formula E, Rally Raid projects, and various customer collaborations. Although it is stepping away from F1 engine development, Alpine will remain attentive to developments in the sport.
“Formula 1 activities at Viry, excluding the development of a new engine, will continue until the end of the 2025 season,” said the statement.
The Hypertech Alpine Centre will focus on developing a new Alpine supercar, improving battery technology, and researching electric motors. Viry will continue to work on other racing projects, including Alpine's WEC program, customer projects, Formula E, and Rally Raid efforts for partner brands. Even though Alpine is leaving F1, they will still watch what happens in the sport.
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The statement added: “Following the consultation process and dialogue with the employee representatives at Viry-Châtillon, Alpine has decided to establish an F1 monitoring unit. This unit will aim to maintain employees' knowledge and skills in this sport and remain at the forefront of innovation for Hypertech Alpine's various projects.”
Alpine has insisted that all current staff at Viry would be guaranteed jobs going forward.
Philippe Krief, Alpine CEO, said: “Creating this Hypertech Alpine centre is key to Alpine's development strategy and, more broadly, to the Group's innovation strategy. It is a turning point in the history of the Viry-Châtillon site, which will ensure the continuity of a savoir-faire and the inclusion of its rare skills in the Group's ambitious future while strengthening Alpine's position as an 'innovation garage'."
“Its racing DNA remains a cornerstone of the brand. It will continue to fuel an unprecedented industrial and automotive project, thanks particularly to Hypertech Alpine. There are all the factors at play, but I guess at the end of the day you just want the best engine in the car,” he said. “That's a decision that I think Luca is evaluating at the moment," he added.
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