Aug.6 (GMM) Rival groups have performed down the possible lack of Renault as a works engine producer in Formulation 1.
The French carmaker is within the means of re-jigging the aim of the F1 engine facility at Viry-Chatillon – and in talks with potential buyer energy unit suppliers for 2026 and past.
“I feel it’s at all times dangerous information whenever you lose an OEM,” RB crew boss Laurent Mekies mentioned. “Clearly, one of many large targets of those new laws for 2026 was to draw extra OEMs.
“So finally, if it goes, it implies that we’ll get plus one with Audi and minus one with Alpine. It’s not excellent news, however fortunately it comes at a time the place there are a lot of producers in Formulation 1. So I might say that the game can nicely afford this transformation.”
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, representing the newly Audi-owned Sauber crew, agrees with Mekies that Renault’s obvious resolution doesn’t imply the 2026 engine framework has already failed.
“I feel that the PU laws are very engaging for brand new producers and naturally Audi is the right instance,” he mentioned. “So I feel that’s one thing totally different from the choice from Renault.
“I feel as Formulation 1, we should be clear on this. Generally it might occur.”
And whereas F1 is shedding Renault as an engine producer, Pink Bull is including an influence unit program to its current standing as a pure chassis designer.
Staff boss Christian Horner says he’s open to supplying Pink Bull-Ford engines to buyer groups sooner or later. “With our amenities, we are able to provide engines to 4 groups,” he mentioned.
“Within the brief time period we’re specializing in the 2 Pink Bull groups, however we’re open to this sooner or later.”
The F1 world is at present ready for Renault-Alpine’s subsequent transfer in Formulation 1, as hypothesis begins to mount that new government advisor Flavio Briatore was actually introduced on board to arrange the crew on the market.
Auto Bild thinks the set up of Hitech founder Oliver Oakes as the brand new crew boss is an indication that Alpine could possibly be acquired by traders linked with Russian billionaire Dmitry Mazepin – the daddy of former Haas driver Nikita.
“The brand new shareholder (at Hitech) since 2023 is Vladimir Kim, a billionaire from the previous Soviet republic of Kazakhstan,” mentioned correspondent Ralf Bach. “He’s additionally thought of a confidant of Mazepin.
“Briatore additionally has connections to Russia and Azerbaijan,” he added.
