The future of Alpine’s FIA WEC Hypercar programme appears to be under significant threat, as the countdown to the 2026 season reaches its final stages.
The French brand, which has been a regular feature in the WEC since the 2015 season, is currently under significant financial pressure and, according to recent reports and paddock rumours, is considering withdrawing from Hypercar after the forthcoming campaign.
The speculation that Alpine’s future strategy as a brand is being radically altered stems from the recent change in Renault’s chief executive, from Luca de Meo to François Provost, last summer.
Adding to suggestions that the WEC programme is at risk, an extraordinary press release was published yesterday by Jean-Marie Vilain, the Mayor of Viry-Châtillon and Regional Councillor of Île-de-France.
In the statement (translated below), Vilain accuses the Renault Group (which controls the Alpine brand) of “lies and betrayal” regarding the future plans for its Viry-Chatillon site, which previously housed the brand’s F1 engine programme and is currently responsible for the A424 LMDh’s development.
He also suggests that an announcement regarding Alpine’s future at Viry will be made on Thursday this week.
“A monitoring committee, established under the authority of the Prefecture of Essonne, was set up and met twice, on 8 October 2024 and 5 March 2025, in the presence of the Prefect of Essonne, Alpine’s management, and myself, in order to oversee the establishment of this future centre of excellence and innovation to replace the F1 engine development facility,” Vilain writes.
“While we were seeking to reconvene this monitoring committee to take stock of the situation following the arrival at the end of July 2025 of Renault’s new chief executive, François Provost, after the departure of Luca de Meo, I was astonished to learn that Renault was reneging on its commitments regarding the Alpine site, an announcement that is due to be made at a Social and Economic Committee meeting on 12 February.
“This is nothing short of scandalous, as it disregards all the commitments that had been made and reiterated to both the town and employees during the two previous monitoring committees.”
His note closes with the threat of action if Renault does not reconsider its stance.
“I reserve the right to pursue all possible actions against this betrayal, together with municipal elected officials and Alpine employees, so that the Alpine site at Viry-Chatillon remains the centre of excellence it has always been, continuing to contribute to the pride of our town and the prestige of our country,” it reads.
DSC reached out to Alpine for comment regarding Vilain’s statement and its future in the FIA WEC.
A spokesperson said, “As of today, we can not confirm or deny the position of the Mayor of Viry-Châtillon. We have ongoing reflections which we will first share with the unions.”
