Christian Horner expresses sorrow as Renault discontinues its F1 engine, marking the end of a significant era for Red Bull.
Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal, stated he was “sad” that Renault is about to end its F1 engine project as the Alpine team considers a customer engine for the 2026 F1 season.
Outgoing Alpine Team Principal, Bruno Famin, confirmed at the recent Belgian Grand Prix that Renault plans to repurpose its historic F1 engine base in Viry-Chatillon for other projects, with the Frenchman stepping down from the team to oversee the process.
This move will see the Renault-owned Alpine team switch to a customer engine in 2026, with the Enstone-based team likely returning to Mercedes engines after their last partnership with the German manufacturer in 2015.
Red Bull was powered by Renault during its initial dominant period with Sebastian Vettel, securing four consecutive driver and constructor championship doubles from 2010 to 2013.
The joint exploitation of blown diffuser technology by Red Bull and Renault was widely hailed as one of the keys to Vettel’s success.
However, Renault’s struggles under the V6 hybrid engine regulations led to tensions in their relationship with Red Bull, with Horner often publicly criticizing the French manufacturer.
Red Bull and Renault parted ways at the end of the 2019 season, with the Milton Keynes-based team signing a deal with Honda, which propelled Max Verstappen to his first title in 2021.
Reacting to the news of Renault’s F1 departure, Horner expressed his regret at seeing another engine manufacturer leave the sport.
“I’m always sad to see an engine manufacturer leave.”
“Viry has been involved in Formula 1 for many years. I understand they have other projects they are involved in.”
“They have supplied us with engines for many years, so we know many people there and wish them luck for the future.”
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Red Bull’s Rollercoaster Ride with Renault Ends Red Bull’s Rollercoaster Ride with Renault Ends
