Despite a disastrous start to the 2025 Formula 1 season and a period marked by instability both on the managerial and sporting fronts—with the team currently stuck at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship standings—Alpine will continue its involvement in Formula 1. This confirmation came directly from François Provost, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Renault Group, who spoke publicly for the first time since taking on the role. His statement was highly anticipated and helped put to rest the growing speculation about the possible withdrawal of the French automotive giant from the world of Formula 1, especially after the company had already decided to stop manufacturing its own power units.
The origin of the doubts
Doubts about Alpine’s long-term commitment to Formula 1 had intensified following the departure of Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo in June. The speculation was further fueled by a strategic decision already made public last year: Alpine will cease to be an engine manufacturer and become a customer team, sourcing power units from Mercedes starting in 2026. This decision to abandon engine production was not an easy one for a manufacturer team. It was officially justified by the need to remain competitive while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the Formula 1 project under the next regulatory cycle. Nonetheless, for many observers and industry insiders, the move was interpreted as a step backward.
However, during a press conference discussing Renault’s half-year financial results, François Provost clarified that “Formula 1 remains central to Alpine’s strategic vision.” With this statement, he temporarily put an end to ongoing rumors about a potential exit from the sport by the Enstone-based team.
Chronic instability remains a concern
Although Provost’s comments offered some reassurance regarding the company’s commitment to Formula 1 from a corporate perspective, the internal technical and organizational situation within the Alpine team remains troubling. The team recently went through yet another major upheaval following the departure of team figurehead Oli Oakes, who has effectively been replaced by Flavio Briatore. The former Benetton and Renault manager has returned to the Formula 1 paddock after a long absence and is now serving as the direct point of contact for François Provost within the team’s hierarchy. However, the restructuring effort—at least for now—has not yielded any significant or immediate improvements in terms of on-track performance.
After the first 13 rounds of the 2025 championship, Alpine sits at the very bottom of the Constructors’ standings with just 20 points, trailing well behind Haas, who occupy ninth place with 35 points. Nevertheless, there have been some small signs of progress. In recent races, French driver Pierre Gasly has demonstrated a more competitive pace and a higher level of consistency, offering glimpses of potential on which the team could build. While these developments are far from revolutionary, they suggest that the team may be starting to react and regroup.
For a prestigious name like Alpine—closely linked to Renault—remaining at the back of the grid is clearly not the kind of brand image the company wants to project. This is especially true in light of the upcoming arrival of high-profile automotive brands such as Audi and Ford, which will join the Formula 1 grid starting next season. These new entrants will only raise the level of competition and visibility in the sport, making it all the more important for Alpine to achieve stability and performance if it hopes to remain relevant and credible within the Formula 1 ecosystem.
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