Renault will pull the plug on its System 1 engine operations forward of the brand new guidelines period in 2026.
Following months of hypothesis about the way forward for the French producer, with Alpine having lengthy been in talks with Mercedes for a buyer energy unit deal, the destiny of its operations was lastly introduced on Monday.
In a press release it was revealed that the corporate’s F1 engine manufacturing unit at Viry-Chatillon close to Paris can be remodeled into an engineering centre to assist contribute to cutting-edge expertise of future Renault and Alpine automobiles.
That might be as a consequence of Renault abandoning work on its 2026 F1 engines.
The assertion stated that Viry would, nevertheless, proceed its effort to produce the present turbo-hybrid engine to Alpine till the top of subsequent season.
“System 1 actions at Viry, excluding the event of a brand new engine, will proceed till the top of the 2025 season,” stated the assertion.
Alpine protestors from Viry-Chatillon
Picture by: Anaël Bernier – Horizons Multiples
The choice initiatives which were marked out for Viry embody the event of a future Alpine Supercar, work on future battery expertise and R&D on electrical motor applied sciences.
Viry would additionally proceed to contribute to Renault’s different motorsport actions, together with Alpine’s World Endurance Championship programme, in addition to buyer initiatives, plus System E and Rally-Raid efforts for associate manufacturers.
Regardless of abandoning its F1 engine, Alpine has stated it might maintain monitoring developments in grand prix racing.
The assertion added: “Following the session course of and dialogue with the worker representatives at Viry-Châtillon, Alpine has determined to ascertain an F1 monitoring unit.
“This unit will purpose to keep up workers’ information and abilities on this sport and stay on the forefront of innovation for Hypertech Alpine’s varied initiatives.”
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