Renault Formula One team to be renamed Alpine F1 starting next year

The Renault Method 1 group will be renamed Alpine F1 from 2021, competing in French colors to showcase the carmaker’s sportscar model, new corporation CEO Luca de Meo introduced on Sunday.

Alpine has a robust motorsport pedigree, in rallying and endurance racing, but has not formerly highlighted in Method 1 as a constructor. The Renault name will remain on the vehicle as the engine supplier.

“Setting up from next yr we will be racing with the Alpine model,” De Meo instructed reporters ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

“The vehicle will be representing the historic colors of French motoring with the blue and Tricolore.”

Decline-making Renault last week introduced a new organizational composition targeted on four divisions fairly than geographical areas, with Renault F1 group principal Cyril Abiteboul overseeing Alpine.

The Renault team revived the Alpine model and its two-seater models in 2017, updating a typical style and design which strike a peak in the 1960s and 70s.

Pricier models like the Alpine could assistance strengthen the group’s more time phrase profitability, with De Meo declaring last week that Renault’s ‘center of gravity’ experienced to be extra upmarket.

“We will use Method 1 as a platform to market a model that we want to produce,” he said on Sunday.

“Even if Renault is a wonderful model, the in shape within just the Method 1 environment of Alpine can be even better,” added De Meo. “I believe that that Method 1 really should be a championship of constructors with brands that make persons aspiration.”

The carmaker has committed to Method 1 until finally at the very least 2025 right after signing a new professional settlement.

Method 1 is also introducing a $one hundred forty five million finances cap next yr.

The 2021 Alpine group will feature Spain’s Fernando Alonso, returning to a group where by he was a double environment champion extra than a 10 years in the past, and Frenchman Esteban Ocon.

“This alter arrives at a important second in the trajectory of the group and the activity,” Abiteboul said in a assertion.

“The implementation of the finances cap will place an end to the price race and will make it possible for the signatory teams to be measured for their sporting worth. Alpine has its put in Method 1 and can problem for victory.”