Renault is considering withdrawing as an engine supplier in Formula 1, RacingNews365 understands from several sources.
To ensure the F1 team can still compete in 2026, when the new engine regulations come into force, talks have been held with other suppliers.
It is understood, the French manufacturing giant does not want to proceed with the development of the 2026 engine because the costs are too high. If the project ends in the next few months, the brand could save considerable sums of money.
It is believed the move will not affect staff in the relevant department as they can be transferred to other engine projects within the Renault group.
An internal solution is still being sought in a bid to keep the F1 engine department alive.
Alpine has so far refused to respond to a request for comment from RacingNews365.
Disappointment for Formula 1
For Formula 1, it would be a major disappointment if Renault stopped supplying engines from 2026.
With the impending arrivals of Audi and Red Bull Powertrains/Ford, the number of suppliers is due to expand to six. Alongside Renault at present, there is also Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda. That number will now most likely be reduced to five, meaning half of the teams in 2026 will be customers.
F1 would have to wait until 2028, and the possible arrival of General Motors should Andretti make it onto the grid, for the number of suppliers to increase.
For now, there are no doubts about Alpine’s future in Formula 1. Should Renault decide to discontinue the engine project, there are candidates ready to step in and supply from 2026.
Two of the major candidates are Honda and Audi, as both will only be supplying one team in 2026. Aston Martin will be powered by the Japanese manufacturer from that year, whilst Audi becomes a customer organisation after taking over Sauber.
The Audi project, however, will be new and it is unlikely it would want to immediately sign up a customer team.
Ferrari and Red Bull Powertrains are also options. However, the chances of a deal with the latter is again relatively low. Like Audi, the project will be new, with the manufacturer supplying its units to Red Bull and RB.
With Sauber’s ‘exit’ from F1, Ferrari will lose a customer team, so it could be an ideal candidate for Alpine since the Italian giant has indicated in the past it would be willing to work with three teams. The Scuderia also supplies Haas.
As engine suppliers are allowed to sell an engine to a maximum of three teams, Mercedes would also come into the equation.
At present, it supplies McLaren, Williams and Aston Martin. The latter, however, is switching to Honda in 2026 so opening up the possibility it could fill the vacancy with Alpine. Permission from the FIA, however, would be required.
One question for the future is under what name the team would continue. Will it continue to be called Alpine – a brand of sports car – whilst racing with an engine from another automaker?
In recent months there have also been rumours Alpine could be taken over. Should the team be sold, the team would naturally then compete under another name.
For now, all options are on the table. Despite Alpine holding talks with other engine suppliers, it still hopes a solution can be found internally. This could be done by partly selling the F1 engines division to a buyer or partner.
In the coming weeks, the French outfit will have to make a crucial decision regarding the future.