Renault kills its nearly 50-year F1 engine program; Alpine to source Mercedes engines from 2026, focusing on other motorsport and electric vehicle projects.
After nearly half a century, Renault has decided to end its Formula 1 engine program—marking a historic, albeit bittersweet, moment in motorsport. Since entering the sport in 1977 with its revolutionary turbocharged engine, Renault has been a consistent presence on the grid, contributing to some of F1’s most memorable moments.
Renault’s journey in F1 began with Williams, which won the constructors’ championship in 1992 with Renault power, leading to a remarkable streak of six consecutive titles. Success continued in two more distinct periods: as a factory team in 2005 and 2006, and as an engine supplier to Red Bull from 2010 to 2013. With a total of 12 championships, Renault ranks second in F1 history, behind Ferrari’s 16.
Notably, Renault-powered engines have also helped seven drivers claim world titles, including Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel.
Despite this impressive legacy, Renault has faced challenges in recent years, especially with the introduction of F1’s turbo-hybrid engines. Its power unit has been considered the least competitive on the grid, and its works team, rebranded as Alpine in 2021, has seen its performance decline—from finishing fourth in 2021 to ninth in 2024.
With new hybrid engine regulations coming in 2026, Renault CEO Luca de Meo has determined that Alpine’s future lies in sourcing engines rather than manufacturing them. Reports indicate a supply deal with Mercedes is already in progress, with Renault confirming that development of its own powertrain will conclude by the end of 2025.
Following this shift, the engine department at Viry-Chatillon will transition into the Alpine Hypertech division, focusing on the group’s participation in the World Endurance Championship, Formula E, and Dakar, as well as advanced battery technology and the development of an Alpine supercar.
