Briatore reaffirms Renault's commitment to Alpine F1 project

Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore has delivered a clear message of commitment from Renault, countering speculation about the manufacturer's long-term future in Formula 1. This comes as the Enstone-based team shows signs of progress in 2025, scoring points with both drivers after a difficult previous season.

Why it matters:

Renault's ongoing involvement has been a recurring question after years of unmet "five-year plans" and a transition to customer Mercedes power units. A firm commitment is crucial for team stability, attracting talent, and mounting a credible recovery to challenge for wins, something the historic Enstone squad hasn't achieved under the Renault/Alpine banner since its 2016 return as a works team.

The details:

• Briatore explicitly stated that "Renault is committed, and the team is committed," aiming to build a solid foundation for future success.
• Alpine's 2025 performance has improved, with Pierre Gasly securing a sixth-place finish in China and a strong seventh in Japan after a lengthy battle with Max Verstappen.
• The team has undergone significant structural changes and is now a customer of Mercedes, whose early-season dominance serves as a target.
• Briatore acknowledged the challenge is a "very hard question," emphasizing the need to learn from top teams and improve incrementally.

The big picture:

Alpine's path mirrors a common F1 narrative: a works manufacturer struggles to meet lofty ambitions, leading to a reset as a customer team. Briatore pointed to Red Bull's past dominance with a Renault engine as a precedent, suggesting current front-runners can be caught. The team's motivation is now fueled by the benchmark set by Mercedes, their new power unit supplier.

What's next:

The focus for Alpine is consolidating its improved base and learning from Mercedes' example to close the performance gap. Continued points finishes and occasional Q3 appearances will be the immediate metrics of success. The long-term goal remains a return to the podium, but Briatore's comments temper expectations, framing it as a multi-year building process requiring patience and relentless hard work.