BREAKING: Alpine exits WEC by end of 2026

Text & Images: Rick Kiewiet

Alpine has confirmed it will withdraw from the FIA World Endurance Championship after the 2026 season, bringing its Hypercar program to a close as the French manufacturer shifts its motorsport focus fully to Formula One.

The decision forms part of a broader revision of Alpine’s brand and business strategy, with the company prioritising long-term product development and financial sustainability amid changing market conditions, particularly slower-than-expected growth in the EV sector. The brand will remain fully committed to the 2026 WEC campaign before exiting the championship.

Alpine CEO Philippe Krief described the move as part of a necessary reset of priorities, stating that the company must concentrate resources where they best support future growth. He said the brand will continue investing in its road car portfolio and global positioning, with Formula One serving as its primary international motorsport platform. He added that the team will continue to compete at full intensity through its final WEC season in 2026.

Alongside the programme withdrawal, Alpine confirmed that its Viry-Châtillon facility — now operating under the name Alpine Tech — will continue its transformation into a technology and innovation centre serving both Renault Group and external partners. The site will focus on high-end engineering services and advanced development projects, with measures in place aimed at retaining staff expertise through redeployment and retraining programes.

Alpine has been a fixture in the modern WEC era since the mid-2010s, first achieving success in LMP2 before stepping up to the top class. In the Hypercar era, the brand scored multiple overall victories, including a landmark win with the A424 LMDh at Fuji. Its earlier prototype efforts with partner squad Signatech yielded multiple class wins at Le Mans and world titles in LMP2.

While Alpine’s departure marks the loss of a current manufacturer, the Hypercar field is set to remain strong, with both Ford and McLaren already confirmed to join the WEC grid in the coming seasons.