Alpine Owner Renault Reaffirms Long-Term F1 Commitment

Alpine Owner Renault Reaffirms Long-Term F1 Commitment

Why it matters: Renault CEO Francois Provost has explicitly stated that the Alpine F1 team is "staying in Formula 1 for a long time." This declaration comes at a critical juncture, aiming to quell persistent rumors of a potential buyout and solidify the team's future amidst financial challenges for the parent company.

The big picture: Provost, who took over as Renault CEO in July, made his first F1 paddock visit at the Italian Grand Prix. His predecessor, Luca de Meo, had already decided to end Renault's in-house F1 power unit program, with Alpine set to become a Mercedes customer from 2026. Renault reported an 11.2 billion euro loss in the first half of 2025, including a significant write-down of its investment in Nissan, leading to a surprise profit warning and an 18% share price drop in mid-July.

The details:

• Commitment Confirmed: Provost directly addressed concerns, stating to French broadcaster Canal+, "My visit aims mainly to reaffirm we’re staying in Formula 1. We’re staying in Formula 1 for a long time."
• Stability Measures: Key steps to ensure team stability include:
  • Pierre Gasly's Contract: Lead driver Pierre Gasly extended his contract with Alpine until 2028, signaling confidence in the team's future. Provost called this "a very positive sign," indicating a shift into a "performance era but above all a stability era."
  • Steve Nielsen's Appointment: Flavio Briatore, Alpine's de facto leader, brought in long-time ally Steve Nielsen as managing director, with Nielsen starting his role on September 1. Provost highlighted this as another "good example" of progress.

Current Performance & What's next: Alpine has faced a challenging year on track, currently sitting last in the constructors' standings. The team halted in-season development to focus entirely on the significant rule changes coming in 2026. Pierre Gasly has scored 20 points, while his teammates Franco Colapinto and Jack Doohan have yet to score. Despite the current struggles, Provost's statement, coupled with strategic personnel and driver commitments, aims to provide a clear roadmap for Alpine's long-term presence and competitive ambitions in Formula 1. The focus is now firmly on preparing for the 2026 regulations to return to a performance trajectory.