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Alpine HQ Break-In Prompts Espionage Inquiry in France

The line of inquiry reflects Formula 1's secrecy as Alpine prepares a 2026 power‑unit switch.

Overview

  • Two unidentified people entered Alpine’s Viry‑Châtillon site around 22:00 on Monday by breaking a window, according to police and local reports.
  • The intruders went straight to executive offices, forced several interior doors, and left within minutes with no theft reported.
  • The Évry prosecutor transferred the case to the Territorial Crime Division, and police technical and scientific teams are examining the scene.
  • No arrests have been announced, and investigators say all hypotheses remain open while industrial espionage is considered plausible.
  • The episode lands late in a poor season for Alpine as it readies a move from Renault to Mercedes power units in 2026, increasing the sensitivity of internal data.