Renault is to be rebranded as Alpine F1 Team from 2021 following a restructuring of the company’s brands.
Earlier this week, rumours emerged of a potential name change after team boss Cyril Abiteboul was named as the man in charge of relaunching the famous Alpine brand, which was made famous by its A110 sportscar in 1960s-70s that competed in the World Rally Championship.
Alpine’s most recent motorsport foray has been in LMP2 in the WEC, but now its entry into F1 has been confirmed, although the power units will continue to carry the Renault E-Tech name.
“Alpine is a beautiful brand, powerful and vibrant, that brings a smile to the faces of its followers,” Renault CEO Luca de Meo commented.
“By introducing Alpine, a symbol of French excellence, to the most prestigious of the world’s automotive disciplines, we are continuing the adventure of manufacturers in a renewed sport.
“We are bringing a dream brand alongside the biggest names, for spectacular car races made and followed by enthusiasts. Alpine will also bring its values to the F1 paddock: elegance, ingenuity and audacity.”
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Abiteboul added: “This change comes at a key moment in the trajectory of the team and the sport.
“Alpine brings a new meaning, new values and colours to the paddock with the spirit of competition from other worlds and French creative agility.
“These will be assets in the preparation of 2022 deadlines. The new regulatory and financial framework will establish the conditions for fairer motorsport in its redistribution of revenues; simpler and progressive in its governance.
“The implementation of the budget cap will put an end to the expense race and will allow the signatory teams to be measured for their sporting value.
“Alpine has its place in Formula 1 and can challenge for victory.”
Given his role in developing the Alpine brand, the Renault F1 boss was asked at Monza if this meant his future at the team was uncertain.
“Right now what I have been asked to do is a mission, with a set of proposals, in order to structure a brand,” he was quoted by Eurosport.
“I’ve not been asked to run the brand. So it is not in any way a permanent appointment whatsoever. That’s what I will be focusing some of the spare time that I have, given what I am doing for Formula One.
“There is no question of a change of team leadership for the time that I do this mission.”
Alpine is set to feature a predominantly blue livery, which is fitting as Fernando Alonso returns next year alongside Esteban Ocon.
