### Renault to Shift Focus Away from F1 Engines Amid New Regulations

Renault has announced it will not be manufacturing power units under the new Formula 1 regulations set to take effect in 2026. Instead, the automaker’s F1 engine facility at Viry-Chatillon will be repurposed for developing other technologies for the broader automotive group.

The facility will be transformed into a new engineering center known as Hypertech Alpine, which will commence operations later this year. This center will embark on a variety of projects, including the development of futuristic Alpine supercars, research into electric motors and battery technologies, and sustained contributions to ongoing motorsport ventures such as the World Endurance Championship (WEC). In addition, Hypertech Alpine will establish "an F1 monitoring unit to master technical developments in this industry."

Alpine CEO Philippe Krief described this shift as "a turning point in the history of the Viry-Châtillon site" while emphasizing that "racing DNA remains a cornerstone of the brand."

Renault has a storied history in F1, participating as an engine supplier for a significant part of the past 50 years. Rumors regarding the future of its engine program have swirled for months, with workers at Viry-Chatillon unsuccessfully lobbying against the company's plans to reduce its presence in F1. The decision follows years of struggling to compete with Mercedes, Ferrari, and Honda (now Honda RBPT) since the introduction of the current V6 hybrid turbo power unit regulations in 2014. Teams agreed to freeze these power unit specifications in 2022, which Alpine cites as a factor that has left them disadvantaged.

Renault's relationship with F1 has seen several exits and returns. After failing to win a championship, the company left the sport in 1985, remaining as an engine supplier for an additional year. They made a comeback with Williams in 1989, dominating during the era of V10 engines before pulling out again in 1997. Renault returned as a full constructor in 2002 after rebranding the Benetton team, achieving double back-to-back wins within four years, but withdrew again following the Crashgate controversy in 2009. The company continued as an engine supplier to Red Bull, clinching all four championships at the end of the V8 era, until Red Bull switched to Honda in 2019 due to dissatisfaction with Renault's performance in the hybrid era.

Renault's decision to shift focus signals a significant change, though the brand’s deep-rooted connection to racing remains firmly intact as it ventures into new technological territories.