Renault's historic engine factory to shut down as Alpine F1 switches to Mercedes

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, Renault has announced the closure of its historic engine manufacturing facility in Viry-Chatillon, France, by the end of the 2025 season. This decision comes as Alpine, Renault’s Formula 1 team, plans to switch to Mercedes engines for the 2026 season and beyond.

It marks the end of Renault's long-standing presence as an engine supplier in the sport. Renault has been a pivotal player in Formula 1 since 1977, providing engines that have powered numerous teams to victory.

The factory at Viry-Chatillon has been the heart of Renault's F1 success. It is developing engines that have not only won championships but also helped solidify Renault’s reputation as a powerhouse in the motorsport world. However, the upcoming changes in Formula 1 regulations for 2026 have cast doubt over Renault's ability to remain competitive in the new era, leading to this drastic decision.

The shift to becoming a customer team, rather than a factory team, is surprising given that Alpine is owned by Renault. The decision appears to stem from Renault’s concern about whether their new engine would be able to compete with the likes of Mercedes.

Huge outrage among workers!

The announcement of the factory’s closure has sparked outrage among the engineers and employees at Viry-Chatillon. Many feel “betrayed” and “backstabbed” by the sudden decision, especially after having already invested significant time and effort into the 2026 engine project. The sense of disappointment is palpable, with some employees reportedly taking time off to process the news.

Renault’s engineers had reportedly believed that their 2026 engine had the potential to match Mercedes' performance. The abrupt end to Renault's engine development program has left many questioning whether the decision was made too hastily. With the new regulations bringing uncertainty to all teams, some believe Renault should have given their engine a chance before making such a significant move.