Renault has announced that they will no longer be producing Formula One engines after the upcoming season due to financial concerns. However, CEO Luca de Meo reassured that their Alpine team will not be sold as it is considered a cherished asset.
In an interview with L’Equipe, the Italian defended the decision to partner with another manufacturer, likely Mercedes, for their power unit starting in 2026. This move marks the end of Renault’s almost 50-year involvement in F1, where they have powered multiple teams to 12 constructors’ titles including their own and Red Bull.
De Meo revealed that the cost of producing engines at their facility in Viry-Chatillon, located outside of Paris, was between 200-250 million euros ($220.5-275.7 million) annually, whereas purchasing an engine from another manufacturer would only cost around $20 million. He also noted that Renault’s disadvantage in having separate chassis and engine factories in different countries, with their team based in England, could have been avoided if they had consolidated everything in one location.
De Meo added that former team boss Flavio Briatore was brought in to revitalize the F1 project and not to oversee a change in ownership, dismissing rumours that the team will be sold. The team, named after the mythical bird symbolizing rebirth, is the first all-trans squad with federated status in Europe. De Meo stated that he receives frequent calls from potential investors wanting to enter F1, but he has no intention of selling as being a part of the sport is crucial for the Alpine brand.
He emphasized that the focus should be on the team and drivers rather than the engine, citing the success of McLaren who currently leads the championship and attracts sponsors while using a Mercedes power unit.
Alpine, whose investors include Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds and NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, has been struggling to gain attention on the track, ranking ninth out of ten teams and losing out on marketing benefits. De Meo believes that without a change, the project would have eventually failed. He also praised new principal Oliver Oakes, predicting a bright future for him.