A storm is brewing in the heart of French motorsport, as Renault faces furious accusations of "lies and betrayal" over the future of its iconic Viry-Chatillon engine factory. The local mayor has unleashed a scathing attack on the automotive giant, claiming promises made to hundreds of employees are being cruelly broken.
The Promise Unravels: Viry-Chatillon's Crossroads
For years, Viry-Chatillon has been synonymous with Renault's formidable Formula 1 engine program. However, as the world championship shifts to a new engine formula for 2026, Renault opted to end its in-house F1 power unit development.
This decision saw the Alpine team secure Mercedes customer engine status, a move reportedly driven by returning team boss Flavio Briatore. The hundreds of workers at the Viry-Chatillon factory initially found solace in a rebrand: 'Hypertech Alpine'.
This vision promised new life, focusing on:
- Designing Alpine's next supercar
- Advancing battery and electric technology
- Supporting WEC, Formula E, and rally-raid racing programs
- Maintaining collaboration with F1
Now, under new CEO Francois Provost, these ambitious plans are allegedly being scrapped. An internal announcement is reportedly scheduled for February 12, leaving the future of the historic site in perilous doubt.
Mayor's Fury: A "Betrayal" Echoes
The most vocal condemnation comes from Jean-Marie Vilain, the outgoing mayor of Viry-Chatillon. In a blistering press release, he boldly headlined it:
"Lies and betrayal by the Renault group regarding the Alpine site in Viry-Chatillon."
Vilain expressed profound shock and upset, labeling the reneging on these commitments as a “total disrespect towards the employees.” He is now urgently calling on Renault and its shareholder, the French state, to reverse this controversial decision.
The mayor has also vowed to lead all possible actions to protest what he views as a genuine betrayal, alongside Alpine employees and any elected officials who join him.
A Legacy on the Brink: What's Next for Alpine & Viry?
This isn't an isolated incident. Rumours have circulated that Alpine's WEC program might be scrapped beyond the 2026 season, a claim neither confirmed nor denied by the brand. The potential ramifications for Viry-Chatillon are immense.
The specter of the factory shutting down entirely looms large, which would definitively end Renault's glorious legacy as an F1 engine manufacturer, a heritage boasting 169 Grand Prix wins and 23 world titles.
This is not just about a building; it’s about jobs, innovation, and a significant chapter in motorsport history that now hangs precariously in the balance.
