JULY 10, 2026

Alpine rules out Renault engine return

Renault has ruled out reviving its Formula 1 engine program for Alpine despite growing momentum behind a return to V8 power from 2031.

The FIA is working towards a simpler engine formula featuring V8 engines with a reduced hybrid component, prompting speculation some manufacturers could re-enter as engine suppliers.

But Renault CEO Francois Provost says the French manufacturer has no intention of reversing last year's decision to abandon engine development.

I don't want to disturb the team and everyone with uncertainty, he told Reuters.

There is a clear reference today. I do not develop engines for Formula 1.

Provost instead backed Alpine's switch to customer Mercedes power units as a key factor in the team's recovery.

We have the Mercedes engine, which is a good engine, he said. It's clearly a trigger of our recovery this year.

(GMM)