Renault has announced that it will end its Formula 1 engine programme at the conclusion of the 2025 season, marking the end of nearly 50 years of involvement in the sport. This decision will leave its F1 team, Alpine, without a power unit supplier, and it is widely expected that they will partner with Mercedes for engines starting in 2026.

Renault’s move comes as part of a broader strategic shift, with the French automaker choosing to focus on electric motor and battery technology at its Viry-Châtillon facility in Paris. The factory, long known for producing Renault’s successful F1 engines, will now be devoted to the development of future mobility solutions and the company’s motorsport projects outside of Formula 1.

Renault’s legacy in Formula 1 is monumental. It pioneered the use of turbocharged engines in 1977 and has been one of the most successful engine suppliers in the sport’s history. Over the years, Renault-powered teams have claimed 10 constructors’ championships and nine drivers’ titles, with legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost, and Sebastian Vettel winning races with Renault engines. Renault’s own team also secured back-to-back championship doubles with Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006.

However, Renault’s recent F1 performance has not lived up to its historic dominance. Since the introduction of hybrid power units in 2014, Renault and its Alpine F1 team have seen limited success. Though they secured a notable win at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon, the team has generally struggled in recent years. Currently, Alpine sits ninth in the constructors’ standings, a significant drop from their fourth-place finishes in 2020 and 2022.

Despite protests from employees at Renault’s Viry facility, the company’s decision had been anticipated for months. Renault’s Group statement confirmed that the F1 engine programme will cease operations by the end of 2025, but added that the company will set up an “F1 monitoring unit” to retain knowledge and skills within the sport.

Alpine remains focused on the current F1 season but will need to secure a new engine supplier for the future. Meanwhile, Renault’s motorsport division at Viry will continue its focus on the World Endurance Championship, Formula E, and other projects under its partner brands.

Renault’s exit from F1 engine manufacturing marks the end of an era, but the company is looking ahead to lead in the next wave of technological advancements in motorsport and electric vehicle development.