Renault Motorsport Employees to Strike Over Formula 1 Engine Plans
Renault motorsport employees are set to go on strike this Friday, protesting against the company’s plans to discontinue its Formula 1 engine program after next year.
A statement from the staff committee at Renault’s motorsport facility in Viry-Chatillon, located near Paris, indicated that the “vast majority” of employees are prepared to refuse work.
Additionally, some staff members have traveled to the Italian Grand Prix to stage a demonstration.
Renault, which owns the Alpine team, began its F1 engine program in 1977, earning accolades for pioneering turbo engines in the sport. The company has enjoyed championship wins with teams like Williams, Benetton, and Red Bull.
It is widely anticipated that Renault will halt its F1 engine project and, starting in 2026, purchase engines from Mercedes for the Alpine team. Employees at the Viry-Chatillon facility are expected to transition to other motorsport projects.
This decision is primarily driven by cost-saving measures and the current competitiveness of Renault’s engine, which is considered the least competitive on the grid. The company has struggled since the introduction of hybrid engines in 2014.
Alpine management has stated that dialogue with employees “is important” and will continue in the coming weeks.
The team further emphasized, “The transformation project is still under evaluation, and no final decision has been made yet by Alpine’s management.”
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The staff committee lamented the anticipated loss of “a rich history of nearly 50 years and 12 world championship titles as an engine manufacturer.”
They also warned that this change “threatens the international influence of French industrial excellence.”
In a prior statement, the committee expressed confidence in the progress made on the engine in light of the new rules set for 2026, which will more than double the proportion of power generated by the hybrid system.
The strike in France will last for six hours, commencing at 09:00 local time, with the demonstration at Monza featuring two groups positioned across different grandstands.
A banner with a “clear and non-aggressive message” will be displayed, advocating for a French engine in F1.
Employees trackside in Alpine’s garage will, “if possible,” show support by wearing black armbands, although no actions will interfere with track operations.
How will these developments impact the future of Renault in Formula 1?
