Renault F1 Engine’s Quiet Farewell: The Emotional End of Viry-Châtillon’s Legacy

After nearly 50 years of innovation, triumphs, and challenges, the Renault engine signed off not with a roar, but with a whisper—finishing 19th and 20th with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, a full lap behind the leader.

A Legacy Overshadowed by Struggle

Alpine’s 2025 season was a difficult one. The team finished last in the Constructors’ Championship with just 22 points, a stark contrast to the glory days of Renault’s F1 dominance. The final race in Abu Dhabi was a microcosm of the season: the Alpine cars, powered by the last Renault engine, crossed the line in the last two positions, symbolizing the end of a storied chapter.

Despite the lackluster results, the emotional weight of the moment was palpable. The names of Viry-Châtillon’s engineers were inscribed on the engine for this final race—a small but heartfelt tribute to the men and women who poured their expertise and passion into every component.

A Farewell Without Fanfare

The departure of Renault’s F1 engine was not celebrated with the grandeur one might expect for such a historic milestone. Instead, it was a quiet, almost intimate affair, confined to those directly involved. The decision to abandon the in-house engine program, announced over a year ago by then-CEO Luca de Meo, had already cast a shadow over the team’s future. The focus now shifts to a Mercedes-powered 2026, leaving behind the legacy of Viry-Châtillon.

The End of an Era

Viry-Châtillon’s engines have powered champions and iconic teams—from Williams and Benetton to Red Bull and, of course, Renault’s own factory squad. Over the decades, Renault’s power units secured 169 victories and left an indelible mark on F1 history. Yet, as the checkered flag fell in Abu Dhabi, it was clear that this final race was less about celebration and more about closure.

“It’s a shame to end like this, but we have to look forward. The team at Viry gave everything, and we’ll always be grateful.”
— Pierre Gasly

What’s Next for Alpine?

With the Renault engine program now concluded, Alpine will transition to Mercedes power in 2026. The Viry-Châtillon site, meanwhile, will be repurposed for other motorsport projects under Renault’s “Hypertech” initiative. The hope is that this new direction will bring renewed success, but for now, the focus remains on honoring the past.