How does Renault plan to transform Alpine F1 Team into Alpine Hypertech?

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French automaker Renault has just revealed a major project for its historic Viry-Châtillon site, which will soon host Alpine Hypertech.

This cutting-edge center marks a shift toward electrification and high-performance motorsports as the brand prepares to exit F1 engine development by 2026. What are the ambitions behind this drastic change, and what does it mean for the future of Alpine and Renault?

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A new beginning for Viry-Châtillon

First, you should know that Alpine F1 Team consists of two production sites: Viry-Châtillon in France for the engine, and Enstone in England for the chassis and aerodynamics. With the announcement of Alpine Hypertech, Renault is turning an important page in its storied history. For decades, Viry-Châtillon has been the birthplace of F1 engines for Renault F1 Team and later Alpine F1 Team. Now, the focus will shift to advanced technologies like high-density batteries and electric motors. The goal? To transform Viry-Châtillon into a true innovation lab for Alpine, Renault’s performance brand, and the Renault Group itself. Starting in late 2024, the site will contribute to the development of the upcoming Alpine Supercar and explore new technologies for electric sports vehicles.

The end of Renault F1 engines: A strategic shift?

There won’t be a Renault engine in Formula 1 by 2026. But despite this decision, Renault fully intends to remain a player in motorsport. Alpine Hypertech will allow Viry-Châtillon to maintain a “F1 monitoring unit,” tasked with preserving its F1 technology expertise. In other words, even though the brand is stepping away from engine development, it will remain connected to this high-performance domain. This isn’t the first time Renault has implemented such a system. Employees affected by this shift will be supported through training and new roles within Alpine Hypertech. Renault’s mission is clear: to preserve the skills of its teams and project them into a motorsport universe where performance no longer depends on traditional combustion engines.

From now on, Alpine will run fully electric.

Alpine has never hidden its sporty DNA, and Hypertech is set to reinforce this vision. The center will develop technologies for various motorsport programs, including the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Formula E, and even Rally-Raid — all disciplines in which Alpine is involved. After all, Alpine F1 Team is just the Formula 1 arm of a French automaker with broader motorsport commitments. This multidisciplinary approach confirms Renault’s determination to keep Alpine at the forefront of innovation, all while adapting to new environmental regulations in Europe. Although Alpine’s future in F1 seems uncertain following the end of engine development, the brand hasn’t completely exited the sport. Viry-Châtillon will continue to contribute to technological advancements in motorsports, focusing on new challenges like electrification and battery improvement. It’s a bold bet that could redefine the future of motorsports for the brand, which is now fully embracing an electric future. We’ll know more in the coming years.

MHaasterclass for this special livery at the 2024 US GP

This article explores the bold transformation of Renault’s Viry-Châtillon site into Alpine Hypertech. As Alpine F1 Team steps away from F1 engine development, it doubles down on electrification and performance, positioning itself for the future while staying true to its sporting DNA.

Source: Alpine Cars

Adrien Conges
Adrien Conges
I grew up near Magny-Cours, an old Formula 1 circuit in France so I've been passionate about motorsport and automobiles since childhood. I currently live in Bordeaux, France and I'm still waiting for Ferrari to win a 17th F1 constructors' title.

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