- Alpine has competed in Hypercar class of WEC since 2021
- Viry-Chatillon facility to be used for innovation across wider Renault Group
Alpine has confirmed it plans to withdraw from the World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the end of the 2026 campaign.
The French team began competing in the Hypercar class in 2021 but has seen minimal success in the category, winning just three races. Its parent company Renault has undergone financial difficulties in recent years, with the Alpine Formula One team’s power unit project now shuttered.
Alpine’s Formula One team are now using Mercedes-manufactured engines.
By ending its participation in WEC, Alpine will now solely focus its motorsport activity on Formula One.
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“We have had to take hard decisions to protect the long-term ambitions of Alpine,” said Philippe Krief, Alpine chief executive. “On one side, the automotive industry – and particularly the EV market – are growing slower than expected. On the other side, to succeed for the long-term we must continue our ongoing investment into the Alpine product portfolio and Alpine brand. The result is we must take decisive actions to create a brand with a sustainable future.
“As one team, everyone at Alpine must focus all our efforts on these challenges. In regard to motorsport, while we regret not being able to continue in the WEC after this season, focusing on Formula One offers us a unique platform from which we can grow brand awareness in line with our ambitions for product and market growth.
“A winning spirit is part of the DNA of Alpine, across all parts of the business. Therefore, I am confident we will continue to fight until the very last second of the very last race that we are engaged in through 2026.”
With its motorsport involvement now being scaled back, Renault will transition its Viry-Chatillon facility to focus on innovation for the wider business and the Alpine brand. This comes after Viry-Chatillion mayor Jean-Marie Vilain accused the company of “lies and betrayal” on social media, referring to the change in plans for the site.
Alpine now becomes the latest manufacturer to exit from WEC, with Porsche and Lamborghini also recently ending their participation in the championship. However, the series is set to welcome new manufacturers, with Genesis joining WEC this season, and both Ford and McLaren entering the championship in 2027.
The confirmation of Alpine’s WEC departure comes amid rumours former Red Bull boss Christian Horner is in talks with investors, including MSP Sports Capital, to acquire a stake in the Alpine Formula One team. The French brand confirmed Horner’s interest last month, with US private equity firm Otro Capital to potentially sell its 24 per cent stake in the outfit.
In addition to Alpine pulling out of WEC, Renault’s other brand Dacia will also stop competing in the World Rally-Raid Championship next year.
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