P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Staff at Viry-Chatillon have blasted Renault Group’s decision to cease the production of engines for the Alpine Formula 1 team at the end of 2025.
The Renault Group has officially announced that it will stop producing F1 engines before the 2026 regulations, paving the way for a potential customer deal with Mercedes for that year. Despite facing opposition, including protests during the Italian Grand Prix, the decision was made to shift focus to other projects in Renault/Alpine motorsport and automotive activities. The CSE at Viry has expressed extreme displeasure at the CEO’s actions, stating that the decision was made without proper studies on its impact. The move from OEM to customer F1 outfit could save Renault around $90 million annually in development costs. The decision has raised concerns about job cuts at Viry, with staff levels expected to decrease from 500 to 334 by January 1, 2025. The CSE representatives unanimously disapproved of the transformation project, urging public authorities to support employment sustainability at the Viry-Chatillon site.
