France's motor racing federation, the FFSA, has admitted it is powerless to prevent Renault from shutting down its Formula 1 engine program for Alpine.
Pierre Gosselin, president of the FIA-affiliated Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA), expressed his disappointment to Le Figaro over the decision, which will see the end of French-made engines on the F1 grid.
Adding to the blow, France's only F1 team, UK-based Alpine, is expected to switch to customer German-funded Mercedes engines starting in 2026.
"It's a hard blow for French motorsport in addition to the loss of great know-how," Gosselin said, following reports that Ferrari, Audi, and Red Bull Powertrains have already begun hiring French engine specialists from Renault's Viry-Chatillon facility.
"It's sad and the end of a great adventure with many titles," he continued. "But I can understand the industrial logic of Luca de Meo. Manufacturing an engine costs a lot of money."
After Renault CEO Luca de Meo made the final decision to end the engine program, there were hopes among union-backed staff that French authorities might step in to reverse the decision.
"Unfortunately, as a federation, we don't have the means to go against these decisions," Gosselin admitted.
Despite the loss of Renault's engine program, Gosselin remains hopeful about the possibility of bringing back the French Grand Prix. He supports the idea, particularly as Formula 1's owners, Liberty Media, plan to make more deals with circuits and alternate some races each year.
"We need to organise a grand prix in France," Gosselin said. "And it is feasible.
"Today, nothing has been committed to," he added.
