Renault has initiated an evaluation study to determine the future direction of its Viry-Chatillon engine facility. Amid growing indications that it may end its Formula 1 power unit project.
Sources reveal that Renault’s senior management informed staff at the French factory about the discussions. While no final decision has been made, the study aims to ensure that Viry remains integral to Renault’s sporting and automotive activities, even if its F1 involvement ceases.
The focus is likely to shift towards new technologies, such as hydrogen power and advanced battery technology. Ensuring the continuity of employment for staff currently working on the F1 project.
This development marks the first formal step toward potentially ending Renault’s F1 engine production. A move that rumors have circulated about for months. New Alpine F1 advisor Flavio Briatore has reportedly played a significant role in advising Renault’s senior management to transition from building its own engines to becoming a customer team.
Alpine is close to securing a deal with Mercedes to become a customer team starting in the 2026 rules era. This partnership would resemble Aston Martin’s current arrangement with Mercedes, encompassing suspension and gearbox components. There is a possibility that elements of the partnership could begin as early as 2025.
Ceasing F1 engine production would be historic for Renault, which has participated in some capacity—either as a manufacturer entrant or as a customer supplier—almost continuously since 1977.
Renault has declined to comment on the situation at Viry-Chatillon and has avoided speculation about its future plans. Team principal Bruno Famin stated at the Spanish Grand Prix: “We just don’t comment on the rumours. We owe a lot of respect to everybody in Viry working on that project and the worst thing would be to comment on the rumours.”
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