P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Christian Horner has admitted to being “sad” to see Renault leave F1 as a power unit manufacturer, despite Red Bull’s difficult past relationship with the French marque.
Christian Horner expressed his sentiments regarding Renault’s departure as an F1 power unit supplier. Despite the rebranding of Renault to Alpine, they plan to transition into a customer team by the end of the 2025 season due to upcoming power unit regulations. Former Alpine team principal Bruno Famin hinted at halting engine development and stepping down, with Oliver Oakes taking over. Renault’s decision to relinquish their works team status signifies their challenges adapting to the 2026 power unit rules, trailing behind Mercedes, Ferrari, and Honda. Despite past tensions with Renault during the V6 era, Horner acknowledged the legacy and contribution of the engine manufacturer to F1.
