F1 pundit claims Alpine risks facing strike from Renault power unit factory over Mercedes deal rumors

F1 pundit Joe Saward revealed that workers at Renault's power units factory could go on strike to protest Alpine's interest in a Mercedes engine supply.

F1 pundit claims Alpine risks facing strike from Renault power unit factory over Mercedes deal rumors

Toto Wolff and Bruno Famin (Via: Imago)

The Alpine Formula 1 team has faced a difficult 2024 season. The French team had an overweight car at the start of the season which forced it down the order. Renault brought in Crashgate mastermind Flavio Briatore to evaluate the team’s position in the F1 with rumors of discussions with Mercedes for a future power units supply.

Renault has been manufacturing its own F1 engines for decades and used to be the works partner of Red Bull Racing. However, the state of the team’s performance has led to Renault consider stopping investment altogether and take Mercedes engines. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is open to consider getting Alpine as a customer team.

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However, F1 pundit Joe Saward revealed that the personnel at the Viry factory which builds the Renault power units had no idea that their project is at risk. The team is forced to get updates from the media rather than the management. As such, Saward claimed that there were fears of a strike which could potentially lead to Alpine having no power units at some races this season. Renault and Alpine must work fast to reassure the staff and get things back in order.

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No-one has told the Renault engine department in Viry-Chatillon about what is happening and they are not happy reading in the media that their project is being stopped. There are very real fears in the team that this will lead to a strike and that Alpine could face a situation of not having engines at some races this year.
Joe Saward wrote on his Green Notebook
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Carlos Sainz wants Mercedes supply guarantee to join Alpine

Carlos Sainz is the biggest name in the F1 driver market for next season. The Spanish driver is believed to be on the radar for almost all teams which have a vacant seat. However, Alpine became the most likely target for the Spaniard after he was informed about the Mercedes supply deal.

Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz (via IMAGO)

Joe Saward stated that Sainz wants a guarantee to see an official engine contract before signing a deal with the French team. However, as per Saward, this has made things tricky for Alpine as it is unlikely that a first draft could even be complete before August 15. Moreover, Mercedes and Alpine would need to do some back and forth to finally set on the terms which could take several weeks.

Before he [Carlos Sainz] signs anything he wants guarantees, such as an engine contract. These things tend to take weeks, particularly in France during the holiday season, when very little is ever done. It is doubtful that anything will even be drafted by corporate lawyers before August 15.
Joe Saward stated

Certainly, Alpine has found itself in a tough place with two major concerns. The Renault works team must first ensure that its workforce understands that no jobs will be taken away, rather they would be put into different projects. On the other hand, Briatore would need to convince Sainz that the Mercedes deal will happen in the coming weeks.

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