Renault CEO’s Shocking Admission: Alpine’s Mistake Led to Fernando Alonso’s Departure
Renowned Renault chief executive, Luca de Meo, has dropped a bombshell by admitting that Alpine did not handle Fernando Alonso properly, ultimately resulting in the Spanish driver’s move to Aston Martin in 2022. This revelation comes as the F1 2025 season commemorates 20 years since Alonso’s back-to-back World Championship wins with Alpine, then known as Renault.
Alonso, a seasoned driver who had previously left for McLaren in 2006 before rejoining Renault in 2008 and making a comeback with Alpine in 2021, experienced a tumultuous exit from the team. Despite securing a podium finish at the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix after a seven-year drought, Alonso departed for Aston Martin amid contract negotiation issues and accusations of unprofessionalism towards Alpine.
The sudden turn of events, triggered by Sebastian Vettel’s retirement and subsequent vacancy at Aston Martin, led to Alonso’s departure, with Alpine initially intending to replace him with Oscar Piastri. However, Piastri opted to join McLaren for the 2023 season, leaving Alpine in a predicament.
In a surprising confession to Car and Driver, De Meo acknowledged Alpine’s misstep in allowing Alonso to slip away, stating, “He’s an amazing guy and he slipped away from the Alpine team. It was our mistake. Maybe we didn’t treat him the way we should have, but we still have a very good relationship.”
Alonso, currently struggling to secure points in the F1 2025 season, holds high hopes at Aston Martin, especially with the team’s ambitions for the 2026 rule changes under the guidance of tech guru Adrian Newey. Newey’s collaboration with Alonso at Aston Martin signals a potential upturn in the driver’s performance, with De Meo expressing his respect for Alonso’s determination and champion spirit.
As Alonso navigates the challenges at Aston Martin, Alpine faces its own driver change saga, with Jack Doohan being replaced by Franco Colapinto ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Colapinto has a mere five races to prove himself before a crucial review of his position within the team in July.
The Formula 1 scene continues to be rife with drama and surprises, as Alonso’s journey at Aston Martin and Alpine’s evolving dynamics keep fans on the edge of their seats.
