Renault to abandon its F1 program? CEO’s Key meeting with Alpine employees after protest

Renault the French Auto manufacturer has been in Formula 1 for the past 47 years since 1979. Cars with Renault engines have won 178 Grand Prix - 9 under Tag Heur Name. It has powered teams like Williams, Benetton, and Red Bull since the 90s. 

In the last couple of years, Renault’s Power units failed to improve and many teams like Red Bull, and Mclaren had switched Renault power engines with Honda and Mercedes. Alpine F1 Renaults Own F1 Programme is looking bleak and its CEO Luca de Meo planning to abandon the F1 Engine programme. It is considering to be a customer team instead for all the new 2026 engine regulations. 

Protests in Vir-Chatillion

This created Spark and employees of Alpines French power unit division in vir-chatillon started to protest. The Staff members felt that the closure of the F1 Programme would be fatal for France's technology sector. They also feel that the Virys 2026 engine programme is looking promising than portrayed. 

The employees demanded a meeting with the Renault CEO de Meo. The CEO has now agreed to meet the staff representatives later this week. After the meeting Renault will take the final decision whether to continue its engine programme or not. 

In a statement, “The Social and Economic Council of Alpine racing, the engine manufacturer for the French Formula 1 team, has announced that it has arranged a meeting with Luca de Meo, Chairman and CEO of Renaukt group, on Friday 20 September 2024 in order to bring to his attention the incomprehension surrounding the end of F1 engine development in France at the Viry-Chatillon site, a unique technology in France.”

An internal deadline has been set for 30 September to decide on the future direction of the division. Only the board of directors will make the final decision on whether to continue the support for Alpine’s Long-term strategy. 

Renault over the years was successful, particularly during the Vettel era when Renault-powered Red Bull cars dominated the grid and won 4 consecutive Championship before Mercedes started to dominate with Lewis Hamilton. 

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