Renault rules out F1 engine return despite V8 momentum
Speculation about a V8-era engine revival keeps swirling, but Renault's CEO has drawn a clear line: no F1 engine programme, and Alpine's future runs on Mercedes power.
Renault has ruled out reviving its Formula 1 engine program for Alpine despite growing momentum behind a return to V8 power from 2031.
The FIA is working towards a simpler engine formula featuring V8 engines with a reduced hybrid component, prompting speculation some manufacturers could re-enter as engine suppliers.
But Renault CEO Francois Provost says the French manufacturer has no intention of reversing last year's decision to abandon engine development.
"I don't want to disturb the team and everyone with uncertainty," he told Reuters.
"There is a clear reference today. I do not develop engines for Formula 1."
Provost instead backed Alpine's switch to customer Mercedes power units as a key factor in the team's recovery.
"We have the Mercedes engine, which is a good engine," he said. "It's clearly a trigger of our recovery this year."
Alpine power unit snapshot
| Current engine supplier | Mercedes (customer, since 2026) |
|---|---|
| Previous engine | Renault (in-house, through 2025) |
| Renault as F1 engine supplier | Since 1977 |
| Next engine cycle | Simplified V8 formula proposed from 2031 |
See also: 2026 F1 Teams & Drivers on F1-Fansite.
Related: Renault commits to F1 'for a long time', says Provost
One F1 fan comment on “Renault rules out F1 engine return despite V8 momentum”
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I don’t blame them & Provost himself doesn’t personally develop engines anyway.