Renault CEO Luca de Meo has agreed to satisfy workers of Alpine’s French energy unit division in Viry-Chatillon as he weighs up a choice on whether or not to desert its F1 engine programme.
Renault is strongly contemplating abandoning its in-house F1 energy unit programme in Viry and shifting to Alpine changing into a buyer crew as a substitute for the all-new 2026 engine rules.
In July, employees at Renault’s factories at Viry-Chatillon and Enstone had been knowledgeable of an analysis examine to plot a “transformation undertaking” for its engine division away from its present F1 actions, which has led to protests again at base and at Monza’s Italian Grand Prix.
Employees members felt a possible closure of the F1 programme could be catastrophic for France’s know-how sector and claimed Viry’s 2026 engine programme was wanting rather more promising than had been portrayed.
By their social and financial council, workers demanded a gathering with de Meo after feeling their voice hadn’t been heard by higher administration, and de Meo has now agreed to satisfy employees representatives later this week.
“The social and financial council (CSE) of Alpine Racing, the engine producer for the French Formulation 1 crew, has introduced that it has organized a gathering with Luca de Meo, Chairman and CEO of Renault Group, on Friday 20 September 2024 in an effort to carry to his consideration the incomprehension surrounding the tip of F1 engine growth in France on the Viry-Chatillon web site, a singular know-how in France,” a press release mentioned on Tuesday.
“The employees representatives thank Mr de Meo for responding favourably to this request.”
Luca de Meo, CEO, Renault Group
Photograph by: Michael Potts / Motorsport Photographs
Originally of the month, de Meo informed Motorsport.com that the ultimate determination on Viry’s destiny had not been taken and that the board of administrators had not made up its thoughts but over its long-term technique.
An inside deadline has been set for 30 September to decide on the longer term path of the division.
Over the summer season, Alpine appointed Hitech’s Oliver Oakes as its new F1 crew principal, with former Renault crew boss Flavio Briatore introduced in by de Meo as an advisor as he goals to show Alpine’s fortunes round.
If confirmed, the choice to desert its F1 energy models would imply the tip of a 47-year-long period of Renault engines on the F1 grid. Since 1979, its involvement resulted in 178 grand prix wins – together with 9 underneath the TAG Heuer title – having powered the likes of Williams, Benetton and Crimson Bull for the reason that 90s.
