After months of speculation, Renault has officially announced it will axe its engine programme at the end of 2025, converting Alpine into a customer team when the regulations change in 2026. Although it has not been confirmed which engines Alpine will run in 2026, discussions are ongoing with Mercedes, which is looking to fill a gap in their engine supply chain when Aston Martin switches to the Honda power unit. Despite abandoning its F1 engine plans, Renault insists all employees will be guaranteed a job, as their engine department continues to work on other motorsport projects, including the World Endurance Championship and Formula E. Additionally, the engine department in Viry will be working on a new Alpine Supercar project.
Formula One has reached a 10-year partnership with LVMH, set to start in 2025 and worth an estimated $1 billion. LVMH, the French-based luxury goods company, controls numerous luxury brands including TAG Heuer, Moet & Chandon, and Louis Vuitton. One of the largest changes is the end of the sport’s 12-year relationship with Rolex, with TAG Heuer becoming the new official timekeeping partner. Although it was not officially announced, it’s expected that Moet & Chandon will return as the official champagne of Formula One after Ferrari Trento’s contract expires at the end of 2025.
Two more senior figures have left the FIA, joining the ever-growing list of high-profile departures at the organization this year. Luke Skipper has been director of communications since joining the FIA in 2022. Jacob Bangsgaard joined the FIA as secretary general of mobility just last year. No official reason for their departure has been provided.
The F1 Commission has agreed to schedule three three-day tests before the 2026 season, which will see significant regulation changes. This will help teams refine their cars under the new regulations, specifically the new power unit regulations. Additional testing could help Audi and Red Bull-Ford, both of which will be new engine manufacturers in 2026. The proposal still needs to be approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, which will meet on October 17.
Plans to hold a rookie sprint race in Abu Dhabi at the end of the season have been shelved but will be reviewed again. The plan who have saw a 10-car sprint race held on Tuesday after the season finale at Abu Dhabi featuring one rookie driver for each team. Despite all stakeholders favouring the idea, which would give rookie drivers more mileage in current-spec cars, it was determined that there would be too many logistical hurdles to get the idea off the ground this year.
It can be challenging for even the most avid fans to keep up with the fast-paced world of Formula One. The Weekly F1 Recap is a series published each Monday that breaks down the action, both on and off the circuit, into bit-sized pieces. It's perfect for casual and experienced fans alike.
