Renault's future as a Formula 1 engine manufacturer is fast approaching its critical moment.
Since Renault CEO Luca de Meo hinted at the possibility of replacing their works engine with customer Mercedes power units for the Alpine team, tensions have been running high at the company's Viry-Chatillon engine facility.
The frustrated workers, backed by their union, recently secured a face-to-face meeting with de Meo, but with the September 30 deadline nearing, the dark clouds of Renault's final decision is now looming large.
"A few days before a strategic decision by Renault Group on the cessation of French F1 engines on the historic site of Viry-Chatillon, the sky is getting darker," the union-backed Alpine F1 engine staff declared in a statement.
The employees noted that despite their meeting with de Meo on September 20, they have yet to receive an official update from Renault's chief executive since then.
"The finish line is approaching," they said. "After the vote on Monday, September 30, the Alpine Racing France transformation plan could be implemented."
