Renault-Alpine considers ending its 2026 engine project, potentially repositioning Alpine F1 as a client team.
Renault CEO Luca de Meo Stresses the Importance of Alpine “Getting Things Right” for 2026 Regulation Cycle
Widespread rumours are currently swirling, suggesting that the Enstone-based team might consider scrapping its 2026 engine project at its Viry-Chatillon facility.
De Meo candidly acknowledged Renault’s previous engine project failures, saying, “When we entered the hybrid era, our engine was not competitive,” as reported by Autocar. He recalled, “We had been world champions with Red Bull, but with the hybrid, things went south. Even the engine we developed in 2021 had a 0.2 to 0.5 second disadvantage per lap. And this year, we missed the mark on the car.”
“If you add all that up, we are 1.5 seconds off where we need to be.”
The latest speculation suggests that Renault might abandon its 2026 engine project altogether and revert to being a mere client of another F1 manufacturer.
A likely candidate could be the new Red Bull Powertrains-Ford engine project, while Mercedes could potentially add a new client given Aston Martin’s switch to Honda power units from 2026.
De Meo concluded, “For this year and 2025, we will try with the current setup, and then we will push to make things right for the next cycle. That’s the challenge.”
“But we will do whatever it takes to be a competitive team.”
Alpine F1: Future Client Team in the Works?. Alpine F1: Future Client Team in the Works?
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