Alpine F1 workers protest over engine program shutdown rumors ahead of Italian Grand Prix

In a rare display of unrest within the Formula 1 paddock, Alpine F1's engine team at Viry-Châtillon has launched a protest against rumoured plans to shut down the team’s historic engine program. The protest, scheduled for today, has workers at the French facility downing tools for several hours, while another demonstration is planned in the grandstands at Monza just days before the Italian Grand Prix.

This protest comes amid growing concerns that Alpine might abandon its engine development program in favour of buying power units from Mercedes. The potential shift marks a significant departure from the team’s legacy, which has spanned almost 50 years and earned 12 Constructors’ Championships, making it the second-most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history.

Alpine has tried to quell the fears, stating that ending the engine program is merely an idea under consideration, with no final decision made yet. However, the signs suggest that the team is seriously contemplating this move.

Renault’s power unit, once a dominant force on the grid, has lagged behind its competitors in recent years, trailing the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari, and even Honda, which overcame early power struggles Max Verstappen to his first championship in 2021.

Why did Alpine shift to Mercedes?

The rationale behind Alpine’s potential shift seems rooted in both performance and financial strategy. The upcoming 2026 engine regulations, which will emphasize even more hybrid power, have reportedly led Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo to consider that Alpine's best chance for success might lie in becoming a customer team rather than continuing its engine development.

Financially, the move would save the team hundreds of millions of dollars, funds that would otherwise be spent on designing, developing, and manufacturing engines that may not even secure a top spot on the podium.

Despite these practical considerations, the staff at Viry-Châtillon are unhappy with the direction being proposed. In a show of solidarity, some team members in the garage may also wear black armbands during the race weekend, though the protests are not expected to impact race operations.