Renault announces exit from Formula One, Alpine set to sign a deal with Mercedes

Red Bull have made the final decision regarding its presence at the pinnacle of motorsport, electing to leave the sport. The decision leaves its sister company Alpine without a power unit from 2026.

Following months of speculation and a protest from Renault F1 employees at last month's Italian Grand Prix, Renault have now confirmed that it will depart from Formula One at the end of 2025.

The decision marks the end of a long, impressive era for the French manufacturer and leaves Alpine without a power unit supplier for the technical era that will kick off in 2026.

Renault’s decision, initiated by Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo, was mainly based on financial reasons as the company is expected to cut engine-related costs by sourcing a power unit from outside rather than builing its own complex solution. It is expected that Alpine will sign an engine deal with Mercedes.

Renault has confirmed that its historic Viry-Châtillon factory, which has been responsible for Renault’s F1 power units for decades, will be repurposed into a high-tech engineering center aimed at driving innovation for both Renault and Alpine road cars.

The French manufacturer has revealed that the new Hypertech Alpine Centre will focus on next-generation automotive projects, including the development of a future Alpine supercar, advances in battery technology, and electric motor innovation.

“Formula 1 activities at Viry, excluding the development of a new engine, will continue until the end of the 2025 season,” Renault said in a statement issued on Monday.

“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.”

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

“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.”