Reports indicate that Renault is on the verge of discontinuing its Formula 1 engine project.
New information from France suggests that Alpine might make a dramatic shift from using Renault's own works engines to adopting Mercedes engines as customers, possibly starting in 2025.
"An extraordinary (meeting) was held on Tuesday to present a project to transform the Viry site without any job cuts," mentioned a team insider to AFP, referring to the Renault F1 engine production facility located in Viry-Chatillon.
"This proposal plans to use the resources of the F1 engine program for specific projects such as the development of hydrogen or high-power electric engines that the brand needs to grow."
"The decision has not been made yet, but it could happen in the next few weeks," the source added.
According to Erik Bielderman, a correspondent for L'Equipe, the decision to shift from Renault engines came "under the impetus of Flavio Briatore," the renowned new advisor to the Alpine team.
Starting with the new regulation cycle in 2026, and possibly as early as 2025, Alpine is set to adopt Mercedes engines, assuming the customer units can be adapted to a chassis initially not designed for them.
This strategy change comes as McLaren shows impressive performance with customer Mercedes engines, potentially influencing Carlos Sainz's decision to join the team.
Currently, Alpine, with its factory Renault engines, ranks among the less competitive teams in Formula 1.
"We have to get back on track," Pierre Gasly, the team's recently re-signed driver, expressed to Canal Plus following the Hungarian Grand Prix.
"There are too many mistakes, too many problems. One day it's the strategy, then it's a hydraulic problem, last week it was the gearbox.
"I know the team is capable of doing much better. I have confidence in them but very clearly, at the moment, there are too many problems."
