Alpine reacts to Renault’s protest request

Since the summer break, tension has been rising at Alpine. If the team is unable to score points before the end of the first part of the season, another problem threatens them. As the team plans to end its collaboration with Renault to build its engines, employees are revolting. After the announcement of the planned demonstrations this weekend, Alpine has finally spoken out.

As tensions have not stopped within the Alpine team, the French manufacturer has issued an official response to the planned demonstrations by the staff. These demonstrations are expected to take place during the Italian Grand Prix weekend in Monza, triggered by several questions regarding the future of Alpine’s engine program.

A dissatisfied staff

Uncertainty has taken hold in Viry-Châtillon. After several months under threat, Renault employees have decided to make their voices heard through several demonstrations. These protests come after the announcement of the possible end of the Alpine engine development project. After a desire for the team to centralize its operations in Enstone, the Viry-Châtillon factory is expected to close its doors to Formula 1 for good. The announcement was made last July, shortly before the summer break. And since then, the employees have not relented. If the team considers joining Mercedes as a customer, this could mark the end of 50 years of history for the French firm.

The announcement caused a stir within the company from France. Up until now, the team had decided to confine itself to an open letter to appeal the decision. Now, the Viry-Châtillon plant is taking action. In collaboration with the elected officials of the City of Viry, yesterday, the team’s employees announced a gathering in front of the factory. The initiative is a response to the teams sent to Monza. The protest is actually a show of support for the staff who should be on the track for the Italian Grand Prix this weekend. Around 100 people are expected to attend to display a banner denouncing Alpine’s decision.

The official team response

Up to now, Alpine had not publicly spoken about the incident that is taking place at Viry-Châtillon. Apart from the few works council meetings that have taken place recently, the team has never been in contact with the demonstrators. However, after direct pressure at the Monza circuit, Alpine has spoken out. Through an official statement, the team acknowledges the importance of this end of collaboration. « We are aware of certain actions planned this weekend by the staff of Viry », was the message. « According to their communication, we understand that these will be peaceful demonstrations that will not impact the team’s operations. ».

If Alpine’s decision seems quite well thought out, the statement nonetheless leaves the door open to the future of Renault engines. Still at the reflection stage, the employees could well tip the balance. The transformation project is still being evaluated, and no decision has been made by Alpine’s management yet, the team declared. However, Alpine has not yet pronounced on the future of the site. Nevertheless, it remains open to discussion. The dialogue, which has been ongoing since the project was presented to Viry employees’ representatives in July, is important for Alpine’s management and will continue in the coming weeks.

For the moment, Alpine is trying to find a fair balance to appease tensions. The recent change in the team’s management has also contributed to the unrest. If Bruno Famin leaves his position as team principal to be replaced by Oliver Oakes, it did not please everyone. Especially since the former director was reassigned to head Viry-Châtillon’s operations. All eyes will be on the team this weekend and an official decision could be made by the end of the year.