Alpine F1 Team Faces Long Road to Recovery

Flavio Briatore, executive advisor to Alpine, has firmly stated that Renault has no intention of selling the team despite its current challenges. Briatore emphasized that Renault CEO Luca de Meo is committed to retaining ownership and is focused on making Alpine a podium contender by 2027. The team is considering becoming a customer outfit by purchasing Mercedes engines starting in 2026, as Renault contemplates shutting down its F1 engine factory in Viry-Chatillon. Briatore clarified that the decision to potentially end the engine program was made by Renault's management before his involvement. Additionally, he noted that Alpine's UK base in Enstone requires efficiency rather than job cuts. The team has been mismanaged in the past but is hopeful for a turnaround under new leadership.