Renault CEO Luca de Meo claimed the decision to scrap the engine development programme with Alpine is an ’emotional subject’.
Speaking to L’Equipe, De Meo said: “It’s a very emotional subject.
“This decision is the result of months and months of observations.
“I would first of all like to say that I admire the commitment and tenacity of the people at Viry-Châtillon.
“I know they will tomorrow imprint this state of mind in the forthcoming projects.
“They are optimistic, and that’s good news. I like to see them so disappointed with this decision, but unfortunately, in my job, I can’t think like a fan.”
He added: “That’s to say, I am a manager. I run a listed company, and I have to rethink the F1 project to finally win, so I am looking for shortcuts to achieve it.
“There, we have become invisible. Two more years like this and the project would completely deflate.
“We have been on a downward slope for three seasons. We had to shake all that up, with a financial logic in parallel.”
