F1 Shakeup: Renault Ends Engine Production by 2026

Fred Vasseur expresses regret as Renault announces its F1 engine phase-out, impacting the sport’s dynamics.

“The rumour was indeed true: there will be no more Renault engines in F1 by 2026.

The discontinuation of the V6 project for 2026 has been confirmed, although there are still legal proceedings to be observed in France. However, the Viry plant will remain operational to develop other engine-related activities.

Queried about Renault’s situation alongside Bruno Famin, who outlined the current scenario, Frenchman Fred Vasseur, now heading Ferrari and briefly also the boss of the Renault F1 Team, expressed his clear opinion. For him, it’s a real waste!

‘I am more focused on the personnel at Renault. I know the company very well, having spent years there.’

‘I started my career in 1992 with Renault, I am deeply attached to Renault and I think it’s a pity.’

For Laurent Mekies, also French, and head of RB F1, losing an engine manufacturer is always a disappointment in F1. Even if Audi and Honda will arrive by 2026 to more than make up for Renault’s departure.

‘It’s always bad news when we lose a manufacturer. And of course, they will remain as a team, but obviously, one of the big goals of the new regulations in 2026 was to attract more manufacturers. In the end, if everything goes as Bruno said, it means we will have one more engine manufacturer with Audi and one less with Alpine. So, I don’t think it’s good news.’

‘However, all this comes, fortunately, at a time when there are many manufacturers in Formula 1. So, I would say that the sport can afford this change. But it’s never good news when we lose an engine manufacturer.’

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, the team representative for Sauber, fully agrees with Fred Vasseur: Renault’s departure cannot be good news for F1.

‘I completely agree with Fred, because at this critical moment, and I think we can share this sentiment with Bruno, people are important and we must focus on them. It seems that this decision is not related, of course, to the new engine regulation, nor to the trajectory that Formula 1 is taking towards 2026. The engine regulation is very attractive for new entrants and, of course, Audi is the perfect example that thanks to this new regulation there is interest from the automotive world. F1 is the pillar of the technological test bench for future mobility technical solutions.’

‘As Formula 1, we need to be clear on this point. Sometimes, it can happen. But now, as Fred said, what’s important are the people. And I hope the project that Bruno is developing goes forward because Bruno himself and the people of Viry-Châtillon that I also know personally deserve it.’