Renault F1 employees set for fresh protest amid engine program uncertainty due to Alpine F1's decision

Employees at Renault's Viry-Châtillon factory are gearing up for another protest, following ongoing concerns over the company's plans to halt its Formula 1 engine program. The workforce, which is responsible for producing the power units that supply the Alpine F1 team, is voicing strong opposition to the potential decision to discontinue engine development in favour of a switch to Mercedes power units.

The change, rumoured to take effect as early as next year, is seen as part of a larger cost-cutting measure within the company. Earlier this month, a group of employees staged a protest at the Monza Grand Prix, where Groupe Renault CEO Luca de Meo engaged in discussions with the demonstrators. In a statement shared with the French sports outlet L'Equipe, the protestors expressed gratitude for the meeting with de Meo, emphasizing that the talks were constructive.

“Following the meeting with Mr. de Meo, Alpine Racing staff representatives would like to thank Renault Group management for the opportunity to discuss and the quality of the discussions during this meeting,” the employees stated.

Why Renault is planning to withdraw?

They also expressed optimism that their concerns were taken seriously: “The efforts and concrete proposals made by the Viry-Châtillon delegation seem to have resonated with management, which is continuing its reflection on maintaining F1 activities on the French site.”

However, despite the discussions, the looming threat of Renault withdrawing from its engine development program remains. Employees fear that abandoning this critical element of their F1 operations could lead to a loss of invaluable expertise and unique technical skills within France’s motorsport industry.

The statement from the protestors emphasized the broader impact, noting that “the risk of losing unique know-how persists, at the very moment when the industry in France needs to support its talents and consolidate its national collaborative network.”

As Renault’s decision is expected by the end of the month, further protests are reportedly in the works. Workers at the Viry factory are determined to keep up the pressure to ensure that the company's engine development continues on French soil, safeguarding both jobs and the nation's motorsport legacy.