What happened to Renault F1 Team?
The Renault Formula 1 team has undergone significant changes, including changing its name to Alpine. At the start of the 2021 season, Renault announced that they will continue to compete in Formula 1, but with a new name and new colours. The decision is part of Groupe Renault’s strategic shift to focus on key brands such as Renault, Dacia, Alpine and New Mobility. New CEO Luca de Meo aims to promote the Alpine brand, best known for its A110 sports car.
Renault has had a patchy history in Formula One. They entered the sport in 1977 and recorded their first victory in 1979. After a hiatus, they returned with the acquisition of Benetton Racing in 2002 and enjoyed their most successful period, winning consecutive championships in 2005 and 2006. However, a scandal in 2008 tarnished their reputation, resulting in a two-year suspension. They sold the team in 2010, but returned in 2016 after repurchasing the team from Genii Capital.
The name change to Alpine provided a new beginning. Alpine has a rich motorsport history and has had close links with Renault since its acquisition in 1973. The team’s future chassis were dubbed “Alpines” while still running Renault engines. The rebrand aims to enhance the Alpine brand’s reputation in Formula 1 alongside other well-known manufacturers.
Alpine Formula 1 team faces a leadership change, with Cyril Abiteboul stepping down as team principal and Laurent Rossi taking over. Despite the departure of some senior members, Alpine remains more stable. They made gradual progress, finishing fifth in the Constructors’ Championship before moving up to fourth in 2022. The departure of Fernando Alonso for the 2023 season has added pressure on the performance of French drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon.
Renault Formula 1 Team transforms into Alpine F1 Team through a rebranding exercise aimed at promoting the Alpine brand and aligning it with the prestigious world of Formula 1. They have made progress but are still struggling to be among the top teams in the sport.
Why did Renault quit F1?
Renault has not exited Formula 1 entirely, but has gone through a rebranding process, transforming into the Alpine F1 Team. The decision to rebrand is part of a strategic shift within Groupe Renault, focusing on key brands such as Renault, Dacia, Alpine and New Mobility. New CEO Luca de Meo aims to promote the Alpine brand, which produces the A110 sports car.
Renault’s involvement in Formula 1 has been sporadic throughout its history. They entered the sport in 1977 and achieved wins and championships in their first and second editions as a team. However, they have faced challenges, including the 2008 “Crashgate” scandal, which led to the suspension of the ban.
Although Renault sold a majority stake in its team in 2010 and temporarily exited the team, they remain involved in Formula 1 as an engine supplier to teams such as Williams and Red Bull. They later bought the team back in 2015 and returned as full builders in 2016.
The decision to change the name to Alpine is not an exit from Formula 1, but rather a strategic move to reinvigorate the team’s performance and align with the Alpine brand’s heritage and motorsport success. The rebrand aims to bring a fresh start, new credibility and energy to the team.
Rather than quitting Formula 1, Renault rebranded and became the Alpine F1 Team. This decision is driven by a strategic focus on key brands within Groupe Renault, with the aim of reviving performance and aligning with the prestigious Alpine brand. Renault continues its involvement in Formula 1 under the name Alpine, opening a new chapter for the team.
trend
Renault F1 Drivers 2023
team |
driver |
|
alfa romeo ferrari |
77. Valtteri Bottas |
|
24. Zhou Guanyu |
|
|
AlphaTauri-Red Bull |
21. Nick de Vries |
|
22. Yuki Tsunoda |
|
|
Alpine-Renault |
31. Esteban Ocon |
|
10. Pierre Gasly |
|
|
Aston Martin Mercedes |
14. Fernando Alonso |
|
18. Lance Stroll |
|
|
ferrari |
16. Charles Leclerc |
|
55. Carlos Sainz Jr. |
|
|
Haas-Ferrari |
20. Kevin Magnussen |
|
27. Nico Hulkenberg |
|
|
McLaren-Mercedes |
81. Oscar Piastri |
|
4. Lando Norris |
|
|
Benz |
44. Lewis Hamilton |
|
63. George Russell |
|
|
red bull racing |
11. Sergio Perez |
|
33. Max Verstappen |
|
|
Williams-Mercedes |
23. Alex Albon |
|
2. Logan Sargent |
Renault in Formula 1
Renault is a French car manufacturer that has had a significant presence in Formula One since 1977, both as a team owner and as an engine manufacturer. Their involvement began as a manufacturer, introducing turbine engines to the sport with the EF1 engine. In 1983, Renault expanded its role by supplying engines to other teams. Despite the Renault team’s race victory, they retired from Formula One at the end of 1985. However, Renault engines continued to be used by other teams until 1986.
In 1989, Renault returned to Formula One as an engine manufacturer and achieved great success. Between 1992 and 1997 they won 5 drivers’ titles and 6 manufacturers’ titles together with Williams and Benetton. After ending its involvement in the factory in 1997, Renault continued to supply engines until 2000, albeit without direct support from the factory.
In 2000, Renault made another major move by acquiring the Benetton Formula One team, which was subsequently renamed Renault in 2002. The team achieved great success, winning the drivers’ and constructors’ championships in 2005 and 2006.
Although Renault sold its stake in Enstone in 2011, they remained in Formula 1 as an engine manufacturer. Their engines powered Red Bull Racing to four consecutive driver and constructor titles from 2010 to 2013.
Renault reacquired the Enstone-based team in 2016 and retained the Renault name. However, they struggled to win over the next few years. In 2021, the team rebranded again and changed its name to Alpine, with Renault remaining as engine manufacturer.
As team owner, Renault has already won two Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships, while their engines have contributed to 12 Constructors’ and 11 Drivers’ Championships. As an engine supplier, they have accumulated more than 160 victories, ranking fourth in Formula One history.
Alpine F1 Team
Alpine F1 Team, racing as BWT Alpine F1 Team, is a Formula One team that joined the sport at the beginning of the 2021 season. It was formerly known as the Renault F1 Team and is part of the French car company Renault Group.
The team was rebranded in 2021 to promote Renault sports car brand Alpine, while still operating as a Renault factory team. The team’s chassis and management departments are based in Enstone, Oxfordshire, England, while the team’s engines are based in Viry-Châtillon, a suburb of Paris, France. The Alpine F1 Team competes with a French license.
Disclaimer: The above information is for general information purposes only. All information on this website is provided in good faith, but we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on this website.