Will stay… will not stay, many F1 fans in France fear the decision that Luca de Meo will make, concerning the future of Renault in Formula 1. And they are not the only ones. Because Renault employees in Viry-Chatillon have increased their actions recently to try to challenge management on the impacts that such a choice would have on the company, but also on France, while Luca de Meo had indicated at the beginning September that nothing had been decided.
In fact, their employment is not called into question. Their know-how is rare and sought-after, and Renault is in any case planning a transformation of the site towards new technologies, even if for motorsport and mechanics enthusiasts, accepting such a reconversion could hurt. One thing is certain, however, the factory will still produce the engine for endurance, a discipline in which Alpine is progressing well with a fine podium obtained during the last event in Fuji.
An Alpine powered by a Mercedes engine would be a stain…
Beyond their personal case, the employees above all highlighted other elements which give food for thought:
- the loss forever or almost of a know-how that is very rare in the world and unique in France,
- a total loss of meaning for the Alpine team which would find itself powered by a competitor (Mercedes in this case),
- a strong risk in terms of brand image, as the brand seeks to develop its range of models
- the virtual impossibility of returning to F1 later given the necessary development costs (estimated at 1 billion euros),
- and finally, a policy which would go against all the other manufacturers and in particular three competitors which will arrive in 2026, with the official return of Honda (at Aston-Martin), the return of Ford (at Red Bull) and finally the the arrival of Audi which bought Sauber.
More than anything, Alpine employees say they have provided management with proof that the future Renault engine would be very successful, with objectives achieved well in advance in terms of performance and reliability.
Strong proposals put forward by employees
Last week, staff representatives met with Luca de Meo. A meeting deemed constructive, but which did not prevent employees from expressing their concerns while the “sky is getting darker day by day according to them”, having not received any feedback from management. However, the CSE made strong proposals to leaders last week.
“During this exchange, a proposal was brought up and presented by the delegation. Participate in the 2026 championship as an Alpine team powered by our Alpine engine:
- Commit to the competitiveness of the Power Unit on track in 2026.
- Commit to a leading sporting result.
- Leave the choice to our governance to switch to an alternative path, once the car has been tested in 2026.”
Clearly, the staff says they are convinced of the future performance of the Renault block, leaving the door open to a plan B (abandonment of the project) if it ultimately does not prove to be as efficient as expected. Provided of course, that the chassis proves more efficient than the current one, which once again was unable to fight for points during the last Singapore Grand Prix.
The CSE also insisted on the importance of integrating the engine into the 2026 single-seaters, and therefore, the advantage of having its own engine in order to optimize the chassis-engine assembly. A choice made in particular by Red Bull, Aston-Martin, Audi, as well as of course the so-called factory teams, such as Ferrari and Mercedes.
“Our passion and determination are still intact, let’s preserve the DNA of our F1, support us”proclaim the staff representatives.
Whatever the decision taken, for 2025, the two Alpine drivers, Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan will be powered by a Renault engine.
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