Alpine to Exit WEC Hypercar Class After 2026
Alpine has announced that it will withdraw from the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship at the conclusion of the 2026 season, bringing to an end a five-year campaign in the top tier of endurance racing.
The French marque first entered the Hypercar category in 2021 and has competed in every season since, apart from 2023. Despite some flashes of competitiveness, Alpine’s record in the class has been modest, securing only three race victories and failing to establish consistent podium performances. Beyond sporting results, the programme has struggled to achieve profitability, with 2026 originally earmarked as the year the project might break even.
Motorsport Landscape and Strategic Decisions
Parent company Renault has been streamlining its motorsport commitments in recent years. Notably, Alpine has ceased its Formula 1 power unit programme, opting to become a Mercedes engine customer in 2026. Similarly, sister brand Dacia recently confirmed it will not return to the Dakar Rally despite winning the latest edition.
Alpine had previously hinted that the Hypercar project’s future was uncertain. Last week, a company spokesperson declined to rule out withdrawal when speaking to Motorsport.com.
Philippe Krief, CEO of Alpine, confirmed the decision in a statement:
“We have had to take hard decisions to protect the long-term ambitions of Alpine. The automotive industry, particularly the EV market, is growing more slowly than expected. To succeed for the long term, we must focus our investment on Alpine’s product portfolio and brand. This requires decisive actions to create a sustainable future.”
Krief emphasised that while Alpine regrets leaving the WEC, the company will continue to leverage Formula 1 as a platform to grow global brand awareness. “A winning spirit is part of Alpine’s DNA,” he said. “We will continue to fight until the very last second of the very last race we contest in 2026.”
Implications for Alpine’s Facilities
The decision also casts doubt over the future of Alpine’s Viry-Châtillon base, previously rebranded as ‘Hypertech Alpine’ following the end of its F1 engine programme. With the Hypercar project set to close and limited other high-profile initiatives in progress, maintaining a workforce of 300–350 staff at the site is no longer economically justified.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hypercar Entry | 2021–2026 (absent 2023) |
| WEC Wins | 3 |
| F1 Engine Project | Closed for 2026; Mercedes customer now |
| Staff at Viry-Châtillon | 300–350 |
| Key Reason for Exit | Focus on brand sustainability and EV market |
Alpine will contest the full 2026 WEC season, aiming to finish on a high note, but beyond that, the marque’s endurance racing future has been decisively curtailed.
