The unrest at Renault Group's decision to end Formula 1 engine production at Viry-Châtillon has reached a boiling point, as employees from the French facility plan to strike on Friday while a delegation of workers with travel to Monza to stage a peaceful protest during the Italian Grand Prix weekend.
The decision – which has yet to be finalised by Renault management – to stop producing F1 power units at the historic Viry site, a cornerstone of the company's F1 operations for decades, has sparked significant opposition from staff and the Social and Economic Council (CSE) of Alpine employees.
In a bid to reduce costs and simplify Renault’s logistics in Formula 1, Group CEO Luca de Meo has advanced the idea of transforming Alpine into a customer team, likely partnering with Mercedes for its power unit needs.
This strategic shift has been met with strong resistance from the workforce at Viry-Châtillon. The employees argue that this move not only undermines the legacy and identity of the Viry site but also represents a significant departure from the company’s proud tradition of producing its own power units.
Amid escalating tensions between Viry staff and Renault management, the CSE has announced plans for a strike on Friday that will involve the vast majority of the departments personnel, and a protest at Monza to convey their message.
According to a press release obtained by French publication L’Equipe, the demonstration will involve the display of a “a clear and non-aggressive message advocating for the continuation of a French engine in F1.”
Around 100 staff members are expected to participate in the protest, organized into two groups spread across two different grandstands. The Committee has ensured that “No action will prevent track operations from taking place.”
©Alpine
While Alpine drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly have expressed their understanding of the situation, they have also emphasized the importance of focusing on their racing duties.
“People want to talk, obviously, which is completely normal and I hope that there will be some conversations between the parties,” commented Ocon, quoted y Motorsport.com.
“I have absolutely no power or control over that situation,” added Gasly. “It’s a team and top management topic.”
“So from this point of view, I’m focusing on my race, and the best thing I can do to every employee of the team is perform the best way I can on the track.
“To give them the rewards of all the hard work that every single employee is doing. That’s my role in the team and that’s what I’ll focus on.”
“I understand all parties. At the end of the day, hopefully everyone will come out of it with a good option.”
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