Alpine's Engine Halt Stirs Employee Backlash

Renault-owned Alpine announced the closure of its Viry-Chatillon engine production facility by the end of next season, moving towards a future with Mercedes engines from 2026. Employees decried the decision, citing concerns over brand prestige, sales impact, and losing critical skills. This shifts Alpine’s future towards all-electric vehicles.

Alpine's French-based Formula One employees expressed strong opposition on Tuesday against Renault's decision to cease engine production at the Viry-Chatillon facility by the end of next season. Announced on Monday, the move will see Alpine potentially using Mercedes engines as a 'customer team' from 2026, following months of speculation and internal resistance.

The staff's statement noted their deep regret and condemnation of the decision to halt F1 engine production in 2026. They argued that no thorough study was conducted to assess the impact on future car sales and the brand's prestige. Alpine, Renault's premium sportscar brand, is gravitating towards an all-electric future, with Viry-Chatillon being repurposed into a Hypertech engineering center.

As Formula One transitions to a new engine era in 2026, the employee statement highlighted concerns about inadequate staffing and budget allocations, which could jeopardize Alpine's long-term viability as an engine supplier. Additionally, it warned of eroding confidence in management and predicted a significant risk of losing critical skills. From 2026, Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda, Red Bull, and Audi will be the remaining F1 engine providers.

Renault, boasting a storied history in Formula One with 12 constructors' titles, remains one of the sport's most successful engine manufacturers, second only to Ferrari. The announcement marks a significant pivot in Alpine's strategic direction.

(With inputs from agencies.)