Tension Rises as Alpine Challenges Renault's F1 Engine Strategy at Monza

Alpine, the Formula 1 team, is facing a significant challenge as its employees in France prepare to go on strike and protest at the Italian Grand Prix. This action comes in response to Renault's plan to discontinue its Formula 1 engine program. The decision, driven by Renault's chairman Luca de Meo, aims to pursue a more cost-effective future by switching to a customer supply from Mercedes starting in 2026.

The Workers' Perspective

The Alpine Racing Works Council (CSE), representing workers at the Viry-Chatillon facility, views this move as a betrayal of Alpine's original vision. They argue that abandoning the French engine would be a "disgraceful abandonment of the team's legacy and 50 years of high-tech history and expertise." To voice their concerns, around 100 employees will be present at Monza to protest publicly.

Protest Details

The protest at Monza will involve two groups spread across grandstands, displaying banners with a clear message advocating for the retention of a French engine in F1. Protesters will wear white T-shirts with the Alpine logo and the message #ViryOnTrack, along with black armbands. Meanwhile, in Viry-Chatillon, the majority of employees unable to travel will be on strike in solidarity.

The Progress Being Abandoned

The CSE acknowledges past performance issues with the engine but highlights the significant progress made for the 2026 engine project. They claim that millions have been invested, with over 100 groundbreaking concepts explored and nearly one-third showing promising performance. The workers argue that abandoning this project would mean losing a "well-conceived engine with clear potential" and possibly ending F1 activities in France permanently.

Criticisms of the Plan

The CSE criticizes various aspects of the 'transformation' plan, including its impact on the workforce and the misalignment between Viry's staff skills and current automotive industry focus areas. They argue that this decision could lead to a brain drain, with skilled workers forced to leave France to continue their F1 careers abroad.

Alpine's Response

Alpine has responded to the planned strike action and protest, acknowledging the activities but emphasizing that the transformation project is still under evaluation. The company states that no final decision has been made and that dialogue with employee representatives will continue in the coming weeks.

As this situation unfolds, it highlights the complex challenges faced by F1 teams in balancing technological innovation, cost-effectiveness, and the preservation of legacy and expertise. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for Alpine's future in Formula 1 and the broader landscape of F1 engine development.