What happened to Renault F1 team? And why did they change its name to Alpine this season?
Renault is one of the most significant teams in Formula 1, winning two Constructors Championships with Fernando Alonso, as well as an additional 10 titles as an engine provider for various teams, most notably for Red Bull’s title-dominance from 2010 to 2013, with Sebastian Vettel leading the line.
This year, Renault boss Luca De Meo reorganized the company to put greater focus on its four key brands – Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and New Mobility. Alpine is their sports car brand, and it made sense to promote it via the greatest motor-racing sport on Earth.
We are proud to introduce our A521 2021 #FormulaOne dressed in its winter livery. The black colour is a tribute to the A500 F1 prototype from 1975.
Learn more about #AlpineCars new ambitions revealed today: https://t.co/iGKfB0vc3I@AlpineF1Team pic.twitter.com/BZY8cfYcgs— Alpine Cars (@alpinecars) January 14, 2021
Now, as we have it, the chassis is being produced by the Enstone-based team and christened as Alpine, but the Renault name will remain as the Renault E-TECH hybrid engine provided, developed in Viry-Chatillon. There are also talks of Renault providing engines to Alfa Romeo in the near future.
De Meo had this to say on the Alpine Racing team launch: “Alpine is a beautiful brand, powerful and vibrant, that brings a smile to the faces of its followers. 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.”
Also read “Very demanding and a perfectionist” – Alain Prost on Alpine driver Fernando Alonso
