After 47 years as an independent engine supplier, the French team’s management appears to be set on shutting down its Formula 1 division, with the team becoming yet another Mercedes-powered car on the grid but cutting over 100 million dollars a year.
The decision would call for the stopping of Formula 1 engine making related activities at the historical factory of Viry-Chatillon, with the involved personnel strongly disappointed in the apparent outcome, which is set to be confirmed on the 30th of September.
During the past race weekend in Zandvoort the Social and Economic Council of Alpine employees issued the following statement, calling Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo for a reconsideration:
“We do not understand what justifies killing this elite entity that is the Viry-Chatillon site and betraying its legend and its DNA by grafting a Mercedes heart into our F1 Alpine. The announcement of the end of the development and production of French power units for Formula 1 is incomprehensible.
“We cannot accept that Alpine and the Renault Group damage their images, which is why we ask Mr. De Meo and his board of directors to renounce this decision.”
In order to fight for their futures, the CSE has planned to make a statement in Monza with a public action set to happen over the span of the Italian GP.
In a press release published by L’Equipe, the committee revealed that around 100 Alpine workers will group to display “a clear and non-aggressive message advocating for the continuation of a French engine in F1.
“Each group will display a banner with a clear and non-aggressive message, pleading the cause of maintaining a French engine in F1, all will be wearing a white T-shirt with the Alpine logo, the message #ViryOnTrack and a black armband.”
It was also confirmed that the nonviolent protest won’t affect the actual on track racing: “No action will prevent track operations from taking place.”
In addition to the public display, a consistent number of engine staff at Viry will go on strike, to remark the displeasure with the idea “in a respectful but determined atmosphere”.
Alpine’s French driver duo was asked about the situation during today’s media sessions ahead of the race weekend, with both of them remarking their powerlessness on the matter and expressing their wish of focusing on actual on-track performance.
Esteban Ocon called for more communication among all parts involved: “It is, from what I heard, some peaceful protests. People want to talk, obviously, which is completely normal. And I hope that there will be some conversations between the parties.”
On the other hand, Pierre Gasly will external his support to the workers by going full gas at the track where he had managed to score a win in 2020: “I have absolutely no power or control over that situation. 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.”
Alpine itself commented on the actions taken by the CSE as well, remarking the attention given to the workers and the fact that the management wants to have open conversations ahead of confirming the rumoured outcome:
“We are aware of some activities planned this weekend from staff of Viry. We understand from their communication these will be peaceful protests and will not impact team operations.
“The transformation project is still being evaluated and no decision has been taken yet by Alpine’s management. The dialogue, which opened since the project was presented to the Viry employee representatives in July, is important to Alpine’s management and will be pursued in the upcoming weeks.”
