Four-time Formula 1 world champion Alain Prost has suggested the sport may have seen the last of Renault as an engine manufacturer for a very long time, warning that any future return would be extremely hard under Grand Prix racing’s next-generation regulations.
Renault’s presence in Formula 1 stretches all the way back to 1977, the year it pioneered the use of the turbo engine in the sport.
Thereafter, the French company competed almost continuously as an engine supplier, powering the likes of Williams, Lotus, Red Bull and McLaren, among others, and concluding its tenure with Alpine, its works outfit.
However, declining performance and rising costs have prompted Alpine to switch to Mercedes power from 2026, bringing Renault’s factory engine programme managed at Viry-Châtillon to a close.
The End of a Long Era
Prost, who raced for Renault in the early 1980s and won his final world title with Williams-Renault in 1993, maintains close ties with the brand.
“I was involved with Renault when it was the [racing] school and then Formula Renault – it’s about 50 years ago,” he said, speaking at a Motor Sport gala event celebrating the Frenchman’s first title win in 1985.
“So I always follow. I always work for them – even today, I still do things with them.”
The decision also impacts Renault’s Viry-Chatillon engine facility, which will now focus on Alpine’s Hypercar programme in the World Endurance Championship.
While understanding the financial logic behind the move, Prost admitted the emotional toll is significant.
“It’s a shame. I understand the decision in terms of the financial aspect. Especially when you’re running a team based in France. The cost is more than in countries like England, for example,” said the 51-time Grand Prix winner.
Read also: Alpine to kick off 2026 campaign with Barcelona bash“Obviously, I’m very sad, because it’s a long history, it looks like they disappear like this, nobody talks about that.
“But if I’m here today, it’s because of them. Because of the history of what they have done in motor sport, in F1 – we are part of the history.”
A Return Unlikely Under F1’s New Rules
Unlike previous eras, where Renault stepped away and later returned, Prost believes the future F1 landscape makes that scenario highly improbable.
“It’s going to be very difficult for them to come back,” he said. “Maybe in a long time, but it’s too difficult. Maybe in another way.”
For Prost, Renault’s exit closes a defining chapter in Formula 1 history – one that may not be reopened anytime soon.
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