In the world of automobiles, loyalty is as precious as a well-tuned engine. In Viry-Châtillon, this loyalty seems to have been compromised, much to the dismay of Mayor Jean-Marie Vilain, who denounces a betrayal by Renault. The announcement of the end of the F1 engine program resembles an unexpected twist, and the consequences are likely to make waves.
The Storm in a Gas Tank
Has the Renault group really turned its back on its commitments to the Viry-Châtillon site? This is the question Mayor Jean-Marie Vilain is asking after the announcement of the end of the F1 engine program scheduled for September 2024. In a post on social media, accompanied by a video and a press release, he did not mince his words, referring to a true “betrayal” by the diamond brand.
For the record, when the halt of this emblematic program was announced, which discarded the work on the 2026 engine, Renault had promised to transform the historic site into “Hypertech Alpine.” This center of excellence was supposed to focus on future projects, including the development of a future Alpine supercar, research on hydrogen and electric engines, while keeping an eye on Formula 1. It all seemed like a seduction operation to ease the fears of employees.
Promises on Paper
The day after the announcement, representatives of Alpine Racing employees expressed their concerns. They pointed out the ambiguity surrounding “the content, resources, and sustainability of the new projects.” The monitoring unit for F1 seemed under-resourced, which hinted at an uncertain future for Alpine as an engine supplier.
One and a half years later, as the sky seemed to clear, Jean-Marie Vilain raised his voice. On February 8, he publicly denounced what he considers a betrayal. According to his revelations, Renault has decided to abandon its commitments regarding the Alpine site, an announcement that is expected to be made during a Social and Economic Committee scheduled for February 12. “My astonishment is proportional to my anger at this betrayal and this disregard for the word given,” he declared vehemently.
The Scathing Press Release
The mayor did not hold back in his press release titled “Lies and Betrayal by the Renault Group Regarding the Alpine Site in Viry-Châtillon.” He recalls how, after the announcement on September 30, 2024, the city had bitterly accepted the end of the Formula 1 engine development. However, the promises made about the creation of an engineering excellence center had provided a semblance of comfort.
Vilain mentions a follow-up committee, established under the auspices of the Essonne prefecture, which had met to monitor the evolution of the projects. “As we wished to reconvene this follow-up committee, how shocked I was to learn that Renault was abandoning its commitments,” he declared indignantly. For him, it is simply scandalous and incomprehensible, especially after the good results achieved by the group.
A Paradoxical Situation
Ironically, while Renault reported an increase of nearly 7% in its revenue in the third quarter of 2025, the promises made to Viry-Châtillon seem to evaporate like a cloud of smoke. “It is all the more incomprehensible that Renault was beginning to see good results after a historic first victory of the A424 in the World Endurance Championship at the 6 Hours of Fuji,” he specifies. A victory that should inspire pride and motivation, but which seems to have been overshadowed by questionable decisions.
The Consequences of a Lack of Trust
The mayor’s reaction is not just a storm in a teacup. It raises crucial questions about the trust between Renault and its employees, as well as the future of the automotive industry in France. Is the promise of a center of excellence just a facade to mask a much darker reality? The future of French motorsport could very well depend on how Renault manages this situation.
It is clear that Alpine employees will not settle for pretty words. Jean-Marie Vilain has even threatened to take all possible actions to counter what he considers a betrayal. “I reserve the right to take all possible actions against this betrayal,” he declared, determined to defend the interests of his constituents and the employees.
What Are the Prospects?
As rumors abound and the climate grows heavier around the Viry-Châtillon site, it is legitimate to wonder what the next steps for Renault will be. Will the group be able to right the ship and regain lost trust? Will the promises made to employees be respected or will they turn into mere empty words? One thing is certain: the echo of this betrayal will resonate for a long time in the corridors of the factory.
In an automotive universe in full transformation, where innovation must rhyme with responsibility, Renault is at a turning point. The shadow of Viry-Châtillon looms over the manufacturer: the road to redemption will be fraught with obstacles.
