The FIA ​​stated that Formula 1The revised powertrain regulations won’t “twist anyone’s arm” to remain an engine maker amid Renault’s impending exit.

Last week, Alpine announced the expected news that it will return to an incoming customer in 2026, as it will purchase both powertrains and gearboxes from Mercedes.

The Anglo-French rebranding was all but assured when Renault revealed in September that it would stop work on the engine it was building for the F1 rules reset.

LEARN MORE – Alpine enters into customer agreement with Mercedes F1 powertrain from 2026

Renault is one of six manufacturers that have signed up to the updated regulations, which will contain a near 50/50 split between combustion and electric power.

However, Renault’s choice to eliminate the engine division at Viry-Chatillon means that Audi, Ferrari, Honda, Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains will be the suppliers by 2026.

FIA Single-seater director Nikolas Tombasiz stressed that the sport’s governing body had not sought to pressure Renault to respect its previous commitment.

“We discussed when we set out the registration process that registration was intended to cover the FIA’s costs of policing PU manufacturers in creating these regulations,” he said.

“But they are not intended to force anyone to continue working in the sport.

“It’s 120, 130, 140 million and over five years it’s approaching a billion, and I don’t think the FIA ​​would ever force an equipment manufacturer to invest $1 billion because they registered and paid a small registration fee.

“It has always been possible for anyone to opt out, and we want people to stay because they want to, not because we are forced.” »

Renault’s struggles made the end of F1 inevitable

Renault has supplied engines to the Enstone-based team since its return to the sport in 2015, but it has been unable to compete with rival entities during that period.

Alpine has been exposed to a power deficit since the FIA ​​introduced an engine freeze in 2022, contributing to the team’s gradual slowdown during this regulatory period.

After reaching fourth place in the first season with the latest ground-effect cars, Alpine fell all the way to ninth in the constructors’ championship in 2024.

Alpine, however, took advantage of a difficult wet race in Brazil last time out to claim an unexpected double podium finish that lifted the team to sixth place.

However, Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor, warned that a three-tenths lack of chassis power will need to be compensated for to be more competitive in 2025.

LEARN MORE – Flavio Briatore reveals engine deficit Alpine must overcome with F1 2025