Source: REUTERS/SEBASTIAO MOREIRA
[Saba Sports News] The Renault Group announced that it will close its factory engine program at the end of the 2025 season, completely abandoning the Renault engine power unit. Yesterday, the Alpine F1 team, a subsidiary of the Renault Group, announced an agreement with Mercedes to use the German manufacturer’s power units from 2026 to 2030, becoming the fourth F1 team powered by Mercedes. Moreover, Alpine will also use Silver Arrows’ gearbox. For years, Alpine has struggled with power unit issues dating back to their Renault racing days. The Red Bull team used Renault’s power systems from 2007 to 2018. However, due to stability issues, Red Bull ended its partnership with Renault. In the 2026 season, there will be the biggest changes to the V6 turbocharged hybrid engine since its introduction, including the removal of the MGU-H system and the use of 100% sustainable fuel. In my opinion, as F1 approaches a new era, it is a suitable time for Alpine to exit some businesses.