As reported by Sportscar365, Alpine has officially announced it will shut down its Hypercar programme at the end of the current season, confirming widespread speculation about its future in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
The decision brings an end to Alpine’s endurance racing journey, which began in 2013 and evolved into a full-fledged factory effort at the top level of the sport.
A decade-long journey comes to a close as Alpine set to exit WEC Hypercar programme
Alpine’s WEC story started in partnership with Signatech in the LMP2 category, where it quickly established itself as a competitive force. Over time, the programme expanded, culminating in a move to the premier class in 2021 using a grandfathered LMP1 car built on an ORECA chassis.
Subsequently, Alpine committed to building its own LMDh prototype. The result was the A424 Hypercar, introduced in 2024 and designed around an ORECA backbone.
Although still a relatively young project, the A424 achieved a landmark victory at the 6 Hours of Fuji, where Charles Milesi, Ferdinand Habsburg and Paul-Loup Chatin delivered the brand’s maiden Hypercar win.
Strategic shift driven by market pressures
The withdrawal aligns with broader changes within Alpine’s parent company, Renault. A leadership transition saw Francois Provost take over from Luca de Meo last summer, ushering in a reassessment of priorities.
At the same time, Alpine has faced commercial challenges, particularly linked to slower-than-expected growth in the electric vehicle market. The brand has since adjusted its strategy, moving away from an exclusively EV-focused roadmap.
As a result, the company has chosen to redirect resources towards its core automotive business and long-term sustainability.
Alpine leadership explains difficult decision to exit Alpine WEC Hypercar programme
Alpine CEO Philippe Krief acknowledged the significance of the decision while outlining the rationale behind it: “We have had to take hard decisions to protect the long-term ambitions of Alpine.
“On one side, the automotive industry – and particularly the EV market – are growing slower than expected. On the other side, to succeed for the long-term we must continue our ongoing investment into the Alpine product portfolio and Alpine brand. The result is we must take decisive actions to create a brand with a sustainable future. As one team, everyone at Alpine must focus all our efforts on these challenges.
“In regard to motorsport, while we regret not being able to continue in the WEC after this season, focusing on Formula 1 offers us a unique platform from which we can grow brand awareness in line with our ambitions for product and market growth.
“A winning spirit is part of the DNA of Alpine, across all parts of the business. Therefore, I am confident we will continue to fight until the very last second of the very last race that we are engaged in through 2026.”
Importantly, Alpine confirmed that its involvement in Formula 1will remain unchanged. The series continues to serve as a central pillar of the brand’s global marketing and technological development strategy.
Therefore, while endurance racing will no longer feature in Alpine’s future plans, its presence at the pinnacle of single-seater racing remains secure.
A final push before farewell
Although Alpine has yet to formally confirm its full driver roster for its farewell WEC campaign, many expect several names to feature prominently. Race winners Charles Milesi and Jules Gounon are set to continue, alongside new signings Antonio Felix da Costa and Victor Martins. They will be joined by returning drivers Ferdinand Habsburg and Fred Makowiecki. This forms a strong and experienced line-up for the programme’s final chapter.
As Alpine prepares to exit the WEC stage, the focus now shifts firmly to delivering a competitive final campaign. The A424 programme, though short-lived, has demonstrated clear potential and flashes of excellence.
Consequently, the team enters its closing season with a clear objective: to maximise results and leave a lasting legacy in endurance racing.
With a proven car, an experienced driver squad and renewed determination, Alpine will aim to ensure that its final act in the FIA World Endurance Championship is one to remember.
