French federation powerless to stop Renault F1 engine axe

France’s motor racing federation, the FFSA, says it cannot do anything to prevent Renault from scrapping the works Formula 1 engine program for Alpine.

Pierre Gosselin, president of the FIA-affiliated Federation Francaise du Sport Automobile, told Le Figaro newspaper that he is upset there will no longer be French-made engines on the grid.

Adding insult to injury, F1’s sole French team, UK-based Alpine, will almost certainly be powered by customer Mercedes engines from 2026 and beyond.

"It’s a hard blow for French motorsport in addition to the loss of great know-how," said Gosselin, following reports that Ferrari, Audi and Red Bull Powertrains have already started to snap up French F1 engine talent from the Viry-Chatillon facility.

"It’s sad and the end of a great adventure with many titles," he added.

"But I can understand the industrial logic of Luca de Meo. Manufacturing an engine costs a lot of money."

When Renault CEO de Meo made his final decision, the union-backed staff said they hoped French institutions and authorities might be able to intervene.

Gosselin said: "Unfortunately, as a federation, we don’t have the means to go against these decisions."

He does, however, stridently support the idea of resurrecting the defunct French GP, particularly with F1 owner Liberty Media planning to do more race deals and then alternate some grands prix annually.

"We need to organise a grand prix in France," said Gosselin, who was elected as new FFSA president only days ago. "And it is feasible.

"Today, nothing has been committed to."