Approximately 100 Alpine Formula One engine programme employees are set to protest at the Italian GP in light of the company’s plans to close down its F1 power unit project in 2026.
The employees from Viry-Châtillon will travel to Monza for Friday’s practice sessions plan on presenting banners in the grandstands. The banners are said to have a “clear and non-aggressive message, advocating for the retention of a French engine in F1.”
Alpine F1 Team, owned by Renault, currently uses French-built engines which are made in the Viry-Châtillon factory – However, it was announced in July that the French outfit intended to cease production at the end of 2025 and switch to a customer engine deal for 2026 and onwards.
On the 30th of September, a final decision will be made on the future of Viry-Châtillon, while Alpine are said to also be in talks with Mercedes for an engine deal.
The employees are said to be wearing white t-shirts featuring the Alpine logo and a black armband in the protest at the 2024 Italian GP. A statement from Alpine Racing’s Works Council – the organisers of the protest – have said that trackside employees within Alpine’s garage would also have the black armband “if possible.”
Alpine Racing’s Works Council Statement
The statement reinforced that the protest will not disrupt the team’s running at the 2024 Italian GP weekend, saying “no action will prevent track operations from taking place.”
While the protests are going on at Monza, the majority of employees back at the Viry-Châtillon factory also plan to go on strike in solidarity.
“We do not understand what justifies killing this elite F1 entity that is the Viry-Châtillon site and betraying its legacy and DNA by implanting a Mercedes heart or any other into our Alpine F1,” the statement from the Works Council said.
“The announcement of the end of the development and production of French engines for Formula One is incomprehensible.
“We cannot conceive that Alpine and the Renault Group would betray their purpose and damage their image.”
Alpine Racing’s Response
However, Alpine Racing issued a statement in response to the action, stating;
“We are aware of some activities planned this weekend from staff of Viry,” it said. “We understand from their communication these will be peaceful protests and will not impact team operations.
“The transformation project is still being evaluated and no decision has been taken yet by Alpine’s management.
“The dialogue, which opened since the project was presented to the Viry employee representatives in July, is important to Alpine’s management and will be pursued in the upcoming weeks.”
Featured Image credit: BWT Alpine F1 Team
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