A few days before the consultative vote scheduled for September 30, which could seal the fate of the team’s transformation plan, employees are still awaiting responses from management.
As Renault Group prepares to make a strategic decision concerning the potential cessation of the F1 engine at its historic Viry-Châtillon site, concern is growing among Alpine Racing employees.
On September 20, a staff delegation met Luca de Meo, CEO of the Renault group, to discuss the future of the Viry-Châtillon site, the epicenter of F1 motorization in France. Since then, employee representatives have said “more mobilized than ever”but remain without concrete news from management.
In a press release published yesterday evening, the Alpine Racing Social and Economic Committee highlighted the lack of response from Renault Group, exacerbating uncertainty among employees.
“A few days before a strategic decision on the cessation of the French F1 engine at Viry-Châtillon, the sky is getting darker day by day” can we read in the text.
A proposal to preserve the future
During their meeting with Luca de Meo, the staff delegation presented a proposal to maintain Alpine’s presence in Formula 1 for 2026, with an engine developed in-house. This initiative includes strong commitments from employees, focused on the competitiveness and performance of the Power Unit to meet the requirements of the new F1 regulations which will come into force that year.
The representatives also emphasize the importance of developing the engine internally in order to maintain Alpine’s technological independence.
“The new regulations for 2026 will promote the integration of the engine with the chassis, thus reinforcing the technical differences between the teams” explains the press release. The development of Energy Management, which manages energy between electric motor, battery and thermal, will also be a major axis of this development.
The specter of closure hangs over Viry-Châtillon
The vote on September 30 could formalize the transformation plan for Alpine Racing, and the cessation of activities at Viry-Châtillon. If this decision were confirmed, the consequences would be numerous for the team and for the region: loss of the attractiveness of the site, drain of skills and talents, disappearance of a historic heritage in F1.
“The competition is approaching Power Unit manufacturers to prepare for this transition, such as Aston Martin, Red Bull and Audi” recall Alpine representatives.
An uncertain future
While the voting date is fast approaching, Alpine Racing employees remain in the dark. Although they welcomed the “constructive discussions” with Luca de Meo, the absence of concrete answers leaves a climate of uncertainty weighing on the future of Viry-Châtillon.
“Our passion and determination are intact” concludes the press release, calling to preserve the DNA of the team and to support their cause.
While awaiting Renault’s final decision, Alpine employees still hope that their proposal will resonate, allowing the team to continue writing its history in F1, while preserving the French heritage of the Viry-Châtillon site.
