In light of growing unrest over Renault CEO Luca de Meo's decision to stop production of Formula 1 engines in Viry-Chatillon, employees at the French plant are planning a peaceful protest during the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
Alpine plans to reinvent its Anglo-French operations and end the production of Formula 1 power units in Viry, a decades-long project, to become a Mercedes customer team in 2026.
This met with fierce opposition from the Social and Economic Council (CSE) of Alpine employees, which wrote in a statement during the weekend of the Dutch GP in Zandvoort: “We do not understand what justifies destroying this elite unit that is the Viry-Chatillon site and betraying its myth and its DNA by implanting a Mercedes heart in our F1 Alpine.” [car].
“The announcement to stop the development and production of French engines for Formula 1 is incomprehensible. We cannot accept that Alpine and the Renault Group are damaging their image, which is why we call on Mr De Meo and his board to reverse this decision.”
In view of the growing discontent among Viry employees, the CSE plans to make a statement with a personal presence in Monza.
In a press release seen by French magazine L'Equipe, the CSE announced that in Italy there would be “a clear and non-aggressive message in favour of the continuation of a French engine in F1”.
This “non-aggressive” message is said to be conveyed by 100 employees in Monza, who are divided into two groups.
“Each group will display a banner with a clear and non-aggressive message, campaigning for the preservation of a French engine in F1. Everyone will wear a white T-shirt with the Alpine logo, the message #ViryOnTrack and a black armband,” the CSE said in a statement.
“No measure will prevent rail operations.”
In addition to the planned protests in Monza, a significant part of the Viry-Chatillon workforce will go on strike during the weekend of the Italian GP to express their dissatisfaction.
Alpine's decision to switch from producing its own F1 powertrain to producing one for a customer team is expected to save the team around $100 million per year.
And despite Viry's nearly 50 years of experience in manufacturing F1 engines, production during the sport's hybrid era (2014 to present) has resulted in underperforming power units.
On this topic, Esteban Ocon said on Thursday in Monza (via Autosport): “People obviously want to talk, which is completely normal, and I hope that there will be some discussions between [relevant] parties.”
Pierre Gasly noted: “I have absolutely no power or control over this situation. It is a matter for the team and senior management.”
“From that point of view, I am focused on my race and the best thing I can do for everyone on the team is to perform as best as possible on the track.
“To reward them for the hard work that each and every employee puts in. That's my role on the team and that's what I'm going to focus on.”
“I understand all parties. At the end of the day, hopefully everyone will come out of this with a good option.”
