F1 team set to JOIN forces with rivals after...

F1 team set to JOIN forces with rivals after bombshell ending…read more

Alpine F1 is facing a significant shift following a pivotal announcement that Renault will no longer provide engines for the team, marking the end of a long-standing partnership in Formula 1. This decision has been speculated for months, with growing concerns among workers at the Viry-Chatillon facility, where Renault’s F1 engine operations are based. The announcement will likely not come as a surprise to the 350 employees there, who had already staged protests last month over fears their jobs could be at risk.

Renault’s withdrawal from the sport as an engine supplier comes at a crucial time, with new engine regulations set to take effect in 2026. Teams across the grid are already preparing for the changes, and Alpine must now seek an alternative engine provider. As a result, Alpine is set to become a customer team, which means purchasing engines from another manufacturer rather than using Renault’s in-house power units. While it remains uncertain which manufacturer Alpine will partner with, Mercedes has emerged as a potential option. A Mercedes-powered Alpine would aim to return to competitiveness, with hopes of challenging for race victories after several seasons of underperformance.

This season has been particularly difficult for Alpine. Drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon have struggled with inconsistency throughout the year, and the team has failed to secure a solid foothold in the championship standings. However, changes in the driver lineup are expected, with Jack Doohan, a rising star, likely to replace one of the current drivers. Despite the struggles, Alpine’s ambitions to return to the front of the grid remain undeterre

The decision by Renault to pull out of Formula 1 as an engine supplier marks the end of an era. Renault has a storied history in the sport, having secured two drivers’ championships under their own banner. Their engines have also powered teams like Williams, Benetton, and Red Bull to multiple constructors’ and drivers’ titles. Renault’s exit is seen as a disappointing conclusion to their illustrious legacy in F1.

Alpine will be forced to adjust, and their focus is now turning to the restructuring of their Viry-Chatillon facility. The site will be transformed into Alpine Hypertech, a new center dedicated to engineering and high-tech innovation. According to an official statement from Alpine, discussions with employee representatives have been productive, and an independent review was conducted to assess the situation. The transformation of the Viry site is expected to be completed by late 2024, with Formula 1 activities continuing there until the end of the 2025 season.

While the development of new engines for Alpine will cease, the team’s activities in Formula 1 will continue, albeit with engines sourced from external manufacturers. This move marks a pivotal change for the team as they gear up for the 2026 season, when new regulations are expected to shake up the grid.

Alpine’s future may be uncertain as they navigate this transition, but the team remains committed to regaining their competitive edge. The potential partnership with Mercedes could provide the boost they need, as they continue to aspire for success in a sport that has seen them struggle in recent years.