Renault staff have been informed about a possible reorientation of the Formula 1 engine factory – a study has been commissioned
Renault has commissioned an evaluation study to decide on the future direction of its engine plant in Viry-Chatillon. There is an increasing likelihood that the Formula 1 engine project will be discontinued. Motorsport.com has learned that Renault management today briefed staff at its French plants and at Enstone, where the Alpine F1 team is based, on the ideas.
Although no final decision has been made, it is understood that the aim of the study is to create a plan to ensure that Viry remains at the heart of Renault’s sporting commitment and automotive activities after the end of its Formula 1 involvement. It is understood that there is a desire to direct senior engineers and other staff at the French plant into new areas of technology that will ensure Renault’s future viability. This could include the development of hydrogen powertrains and the further development of battery technology.
The changes are intended to ensure that the employees currently working on the Formula 1 project will still have a future at the company even if it no longer produces engines for the premier class. Although there have been rumors for months that Renault was considering withdrawing from Formula 1, today’s development is the first formal step to suggest that this idea is now taking shape.
New Alpine F1 consultant Flavio Briatore, who has been hired to get the F1 team back on track, is said to have played a key role in persuading Renault’s management to move away from building its own engines and become a customer team instead.
As previously reported, Alpine is close to a deal with Mercedes to become a customer team in the next era of the rules, which begins in 2026. The partnership is said to be similar to the one Aston Martin currently has with Mercedes, with the German manufacturer’s suspension and gearbox also to be adopted.
Sources have suggested that there is also an outside possibility that, if a deal can be completed quickly and the circumstances are right, some elements of the partnership could begin as early as 2025. A formal end to the production of Formula 1 engines by Renault will be a historic moment, as the French car manufacturer has been involved in some form – either as a manufacturer or customer supplier – almost continuously since 1977.
Renault has not commented on the circumstances at Viry-Chatillon and the team has been reluctant to comment on speculation about its future in recent months. Team Principal Bruno Famin said at the Spanish Grand Prix: “We do not comment on rumors. We owe great respect to all those working on this project in Viry and the worst thing would be to comment on the rumors. “