A historical figure of the diamond brand, Alain Prost spoke emotionally about the future of Renault in Formula 1. For the four-time world champion, the announced exit of the French engine manufacturer could well mark a lasting, or even definitive, absence from Grand Prix racing.
Present in Formula 1 since 1977, RenaultYou have profoundly marked the history of the discipline. A pioneer of the turbo engine, the French brand then established itself as an essential engine manufacturer, supplying legendary teams such as Williams, Lotus, McLaren or Red Bull, before fully committing to Alpine.
But this long adventure is coming to an end. From 2026, Alpine will abandon engines Renault for blocks Classic Mercedes for sale, formalizing the closure of the Viry-Châtillon factory engine program in F1.
Alain Prost, a privileged witness to half a century of Renault's Formula 1 history
Alain Prost He is not an outside observer. His story is intimately linked to that of Renault.
"I was involved with Renault "When it was school and then Formula Renault – that was about 50 years ago." he recalled during a gala organized by Motor Sport celebrating his first world title in 1985.
« So I still follow them. I still work for them – even today, I still collaborate with them.
The Frenchman ran for Renault in the early 1980s and won his last world title in 1993 with Williams-Renault, a symbol of the engine manufacturer's golden age.
This decision does not, however, signal the end of the Viry-Châtillon factory, which will now be entirely focused on the Hypercar program.Alpine in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). A deliberate, but painful, strategic refocusing.
Cheers He understands the logic… without masking his sadness.
"It's a shame. I understand the financial reasons for this decision. Especially when you're running a team based in France. The costs are higher than in countries like England, for example."
Beyond the figures, it is the human and symbolic aspect that is striking. Cheers
"Obviously, I'm very sad, because it's a long story, and it seems like they're just disappearing like that, without anyone talking about it."
"But if I'm here today, it's thanks to them. Thanks to the history of what they've achieved in motorsport, in F1 – we are part of that history."
Unlike previous withdrawals of Renaultfollowed by spectacular comebacks, Cheers believes that the Formula 1 Modern culture no longer leaves the same room for comebacks.
"It will be very difficult for them to return. Perhaps in a long time, but it's too difficult. Perhaps in another way."e. »
Technical complexity, the colossal investments required by the new regulations and the increased stability of engine manufacturers make any resurrection highly unlikely.
For Alain Prost, the departure of Renault This is not simply an industrial decision. It symbolizes the end of a crucial chapter in the history of the Formula 1shaped by technological audacity, global titles and a deeply French identity.
A chapter that closes in silence… and which, according to one of its biggest players, may never be reopened.
