The CEO of the Renault Group, Luca de Meo, is firm in his denial that the Alpine Formula 1 team is not for sale, despite its recent difficulties. The team has faced setbacks due to constant turnover of senior staff. The A524 car has only managed to score five points in the first nine races of the season, leading to speculation that Renault may consider selling the team. However, de Meo has dismissed these rumors, stating that the team will not be sold, not even in part. He has received offers, but has no interest in accepting them as he believes it would be foolish to do so.
Contrary to de Meo’s claims, there are ongoing rumors in the F1 paddock suggesting otherwise. F1 reporter Joe Saward has reported that de Meo is exploring the possibility of selling the Alpine power unit operation in Viry and finding a new power unit supplier. It is no secret that Alpine has been struggling as a power unit manufacturer since the introduction of hybrid engines in 2014. Their lack of performance has led teams like Red Bull and McLaren to seek alternatives. Despite acknowledging these shortcomings, de Meo is determined to find a solution and improve the team’s power unit performance.
Overall, de Meo’s statements and actions seem to contradict each other. While he vehemently denies any intention of selling the Alpine F1 team, there are indications that he may be considering selling the power unit operation. The future of the team remains uncertain and it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds in the coming months.
In the world of Formula 1, even our 2021 engine development faced a disadvantage of 0.2s to 0.5s per lap. And this year, our car has been a complete mess. When we combine all the factors, we find ourselves 1.5s away from where we should be.
So, how will Luca de Meo, Renault, and Alpine turn their luck around? The Renault CEO believes that the key lies in recruiting high-level individuals and making changes to our mindset. We need a team of high-quality professionals who are driven by a burning desire to win. Additionally, collaboration and trust within the team are crucial as they make everything more feasible.
Alpine should be one of the powerhouses in Formula 1, thanks to the support of the Renault Group. Although we may currently not deserve to be at the top, we are not here just to be mere spectators. We must work tirelessly to correct our mistakes and put Formula 1 at the heart of Alpine. That is why we have chosen to paint our car blue, symbolizing our unique automotive culture.
This brand has a rich history of competition, and it is time to unleash its true potential. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity.
