After months of speculations regarding the future of the Renault engines, and with Alpine having been in discussions with Mercedes for a customer power unit agreement, the fate of its operations was finally revealed today.

The French manufacturer has chosen to terminate its works engine program starting in 2026, which will cause Alpine to switch back to being a customer team.

Regarding the topic, protests organized by mad employees of Viry-Châtillon were held at this year’s Italian Grand Prix in Monza, however, the decision came as expected because Alpine powertrains are simply losing out to their competitors.

Alpine has released a statement, that says the following:

“Formula 1 activities at Viry, excluding the development of a new engine, will continue until the end of the 2025 season.”

The statement also addresses projects that are planned for the new Hypertech Alpine Centre and include developing a future Alpine supercar, improving battery technology, and researching electric motor technologies. 

Viry will also keep supporting Renault's other motorsport activities, such as Alpine's World Endurance Championship (WEC) program, customer projects, and efforts in Formula E and Rally Raid for partner brands.

“Following the consultation process and dialogue with the employee representatives at Viry-Châtillon, Alpine has decided to establish an F1 monitoring unit.

“This unit will aim to maintain employees' knowledge and skills in this sport and remain at the forefront of innovation for Hypertech Alpine's various projects.”

Alpine CEO, Philippe Krief, stated that it is a turning point for the French team.

“Creating this Hypertech Alpine centre is key to Alpine's development strategy and, more broadly, to the Group's innovation strategy.

“It is a turning point in the history of the Viry-Châtillon site, which will ensure the continuity of a savoir-faire and the inclusion of its rare skills in the Group's ambitious future while strengthening Alpine's position as an 'innovation garage'.

“Its racing DNA remains a cornerstone of the brand. It will continue to fuel an unprecedented industrial and automotive project, thanks particularly to Hypertech Alpine.”

With this outcome, there will be five engine manufacturers on the starting grid in 2026. Mercedes, as the biggest supplier, will provide engines for Mercedes, McLaren, Williams, and probably Alpine. Ferrari will power both its own team and Haas. Red Bull will use Ford engines, with their team and sister RB as customers. Honda will supply engines to Aston Martin, while Audi will have its engines exclusively in its own team.