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Renault, a French automobile manufacturer, has announced its decision to cease production of Formula One engines from 2026. This marks the end of nearly half a century of Renault's involvement in the pinnacle of motorsport. The announcement was made by Renault's Alpine team on Monday.Renault's departure from Formula One engine manufacturing had been hinted at earlier this year by Alpine's former team boss, Bruno Famin. The team is expected to switch to Mercedes power units from 2026.Renault's entry into Formula One in 1977 revolutionized the sport. The French manufacturer introduced the turbo engine to Formula One, which quickly became the dominant engine type. Renault's turbocharged engines powered drivers to five drivers' titles and six constructors' crowns.The decision to end engine production is part of Renault's broader strategy to focus on sustainable mobility. The company's F1 engine factory at Viry-Chatillon, near Paris, will be transformed into an engineering center for future Renault and Alpine cars."Formula 1 activities at Viry, excluding the development of a new engine, will continue until the end of the 2025 season," Alpine's statement announced.Renault's exit from Formula One engine manufacturing is a significant moment in the history of the sport. The French manufacturer has been a major player in Formula One for decades, and its departure will leave a void in the paddock.

Australian Jack Doohan, son of legendary motorcycling champion Mick Doohan, has been promoted to a full-time Formula One driver with Alpine for the 2025 season. The 21-year-old will partner Frenchman Pierre Gasly, replacing Esteban Ocon, who is moving to Haas.Alpine, currently languishing in eighth place in the constructors' championship, is hoping that the combination of Doohan's youth and Gasly's experience will provide a solid foundation for future success. Gasly has praised Doohan's talent, describing him as "fast" and "a great guy."Doohan's promotion comes after a successful stint as Alpine's reserve driver. He has also impressed in Formula 2, where he finished third in the 2022 championship.Alpine has undergone significant changes in recent months, with Oliver Oakes taking over as team principal and Bruno Famin departing. Gasly had attempted to recruit Carlos Sainz, but the Spaniard opted for Williams instead.Despite their struggles this season, Alpine remains optimistic about the future. The team believes that Doohan and Gasly have the potential to lead them to greater heights.

Formula One team Alpine has appointed Oliver Oakes as their new principal, replacing Bruno Famin. The 36-year-old Englishman, a former driver currently leading the Hitech GP team in F2 and F3, becomes the second youngest team principal in Formula One history.Oakes will assume his new role after the summer break, reporting to Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to guide Alpine "back to competitiveness.""The team has talented individuals and exceptional resources at its core," Oakes stated. "I am confident that we can achieve significant success together in the remaining season and beyond."Famin announced his departure from Alpine at the Belgian Grand Prix, but will continue to oversee other motorsport activities for the Renault Group.Oakes's immediate priority will be to improve Alpine's performance. The team currently ranks eighth in the constructors' standings, a significant decline from their fourth-place finish in 2022.This leadership change follows a series of adjustments since Italian Flavio Briatore joined Alpine as an advisor in June. Driver Esteban Ocon has announced his departure to Haas, citing a "frustrating" season with insufficient progress.Renault is also considering discontinuing engine production for its F1 team. Alpine is reportedly close to securing a deal with Mercedes for 2026, which currently supplies engines to Williams, McLaren, Aston Martin, and its own team.The Formula One season resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort on August 25.

Esteban Ocon and Alpine have mutually agreed to part ways at the conclusion of the 2024 Formula One season. The French constructor expressed gratitude for Ocon's contributions over the past five years, highlighting his historic victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.Ocon, 27, expressed his appreciation for the team's support and acknowledged the challenges and triumphs they shared. He emphasized his unwavering commitment to Alpine for the remainder of the 2023 season.The announcement follows a controversial incident at the Monaco Grand Prix, where Ocon's attempt to overtake teammate Pierre Gasly resulted in a collision. Alpine management expressed disappointment with Ocon's actions, which compromised the team's race strategy.Ocon's future beyond 2024 remains uncertain, with the driver indicating that an announcement will be made in due course. Speculation suggests that he may join Aston Martin or Williams, teams that have expressed interest in his services.Alpine, meanwhile, is expected to retain Fernando Alonso for the 2024 season. The team is also reportedly considering Oscar Piastri, the reigning Formula 2 champion, as a potential replacement for Ocon.The separation between Ocon and Alpine marks the end of an era for the French constructor. Ocon has been a key figure in the team's resurgence, helping them secure their first Grand Prix victory since their rebranding from Renault in 2021.However, the team's recent struggles and Ocon's desire for a fresh challenge have led to this amicable parting of ways. Both parties will be eager to finish the 2023 season on a high note before embarking on new chapters in their respective careers.