Could This Be Renault F1’s New Name as Part of a Major Team Revamp?
Follow Us
A brand restructuring by the Renault Group has been announced today. The restructuring aims to increase the organization’s focus on its four primary businesses, namely Renault, Dacia, Alpina, and New Mobility.
How does this concern F1? Well, it does because Renault F1’s team principal Cyril Abiteboul has been appointed as the new head of the Alpine brand. As such, his job revolves around the “Creation, organization, and implementation” of the brand.
So with Abiteboul set to manage two roles, the talk doing the rounds is that Renault could either incorporate the Alpine brand to its current F1 team name, or they could rebrand their F1 team as Alpine F1. There hasn’t been any official word yet, but according to Motorsport.com, “There are suggestions that an announcement confirming the plan could come as early as this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Abiteboul himself is expected to talk about this matter on Friday’s press conference for team principals. Alpine haven’t featured as a constructor or engine supplier in F1 thus far. However, they currently participate in LMP2 of the World Endurance Championship, under the name Signatech Alpine team.
Alpine as a brand was on the brink of a shutdown due to the pandemic. However, clearly the Renault Group sees them playing a big part in their organization’s future.
What visible changes could take place if Renault were to be renamed?
One of the biggest visual changes one could expect would be the color of the team’s livery. Alpine could potentially drop the current black and yellow color scheme of the Renault F1 team. Instead, they could choose to run a dark blue livery, which is currently seen on their LMP2 cars. For visual reference, think of last year’s Toro Rosso colors.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
They will obviously continue to use the Renault engines, so no changes there. But there remains the possibility of Abiteboul resigning as the team’s principal to focus on his new role. We’ll most likely find out more about that by the end of the day.
Trending
Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”
April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT
Max Verstappen Sabotaged Daniel Ricciardo’s Only Chance of Getting the Red Bull Seat for 2025
April 21, 2024 11:59 AM EDT
F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal
April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT
Carlos Sainz Blames Charles Leclerc for Causing Fred Vasseur’s Painful Chinese GP Loss
April 21, 2024 12:23 PM EDT
Ferrari F1 News: Carlos Sainz Pushed Away From Audi as “Difficult” Period Approaches After Contract Pressure
April 23, 2024 12:28 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
For the moment, however, they still very much remain Renault F1. And as such, their focus will be on this weekend’s race in Monza where much is expected of them.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
They were brilliant in Spa, with Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon coming home in P4 and P5 respectively. A repeat of that performance would certainly make them very happy.