The departure of Luca de Meo from Renault has been a significant headline, but according to Flavio Briatore, the de facto principal of the Alpine Formula One team, it changes nothing for the team's trajectory. Briatore, a seasoned figure in the F1 world with a history of leading Benetton and Renault to titles, emphasized that the team's focus remains unchanged.

Stability Amid Change

Briatore, who returned to Formula One a year ago as an executive adviser, has been at the helm since Oliver Oakes resigned. Despite Alpine's current position at the bottom of the Constructor's standings, Briatore has dismissed any notion that his role is to enhance the team's performance for a potential sale.

Future with Mercedes Power Units

Alpine is set to compete with Mercedes power units in the upcoming season, a strategic move following Renault's decision to cease engine production at its Viry-Chatillon factory. This shift is expected to reduce costs significantly, as producing engines in-house was costing Renault up to €250 million annually, compared to the less than $20 million cost of sourcing from another manufacturer.

Investor Confidence

The team, backed by high-profile investors including Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds and NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, remains the sole user of Renault power units this season. Briatore's reassurance comes at a crucial time, ensuring that the team's stakeholders and fans remain confident in Alpine's future.

Conclusion

As the Formula One season progresses, Briatore's leadership and strategic decisions will be pivotal in steering Alpine towards a more competitive standing. The team's transition to Mercedes power units marks a new chapter, and with Briatore at the helm, Alpine is poised to navigate the challenges ahead with stability and focus.