Renault, a long-time participant in Formula 1 since 1977, has faced many ups and downs in the world of racing. While the company has been a powertrain supplier to numerous teams over the years, its involvement in the sport has come to an end. The only car currently using Renault power is the Alpine, but even that partnership will come to a close after the new engine regulations come into effect in 2026.
Renault has a rich history in Formula 1, with its engines powering 11 world drivers’ championship victories since 1992. However, the company’s success has waned in recent years. Red Bull ended its partnership with Renault in 2018, opting for Honda power instead. Renault also faced challenges as McLaren’s engine supplier before exclusively supplying engines to the Alpine team.
With Renault struggling to build a competitive engine, the decision was made to switch to Mercedes powertrain units starting in 2026. This move not only aims to save costs but also allows the Alpine team to benefit from Mercedes’ research and development. The decision to transition to Mercedes engines will provide the team with access to shared data from eight cars on the grid, as opposed to just two Renault-powered cars.
Renault’s F1 engine factory at Viry-Chatillon will continue operations until the end of the 2025 season. Following this, the factory will be transformed into an engineering campus focused on developing technology for future Alpine and Renault street cars. This includes the production and assembly of a new Alpine-branded hypercar.
In the current 2024 season, Alpine has struggled to perform, scoring only 13 points and consistently finishing in 9th place. This is a stark contrast to the team’s performance in 2023, where they earned 120 points and even secured a podium finish. With only the Sauber team ranking lower in the constructors’ championship, Alpine is looking to regroup and improve their performance in the upcoming races.
Overall, Renault’s decision to exit Formula 1 after 47 years marks the end of an era for the company. The transition to Mercedes engines and the focus on developing technology for street cars demonstrate Renault’s commitment to innovation and growth in the automotive industry.
