Alpine staying in F1 “for a long time”, says Renault CEO

• Provost replaced Luca de Meo in July
• CEO says Alpine have already “made many steps forward”

New Renault chief executive François Provost has confirmed that the company remains committed to Formula One for “a long time” through its Alpine brand.

Provost was appointed as chief executive of the French car manufacturer at the end of July following Luca de Meo’s departure after five years in the role. His promotion from within, rather than the arrival of an external candidate, always suggested continuity on Formula One – even though de Meo had overseen the winding down of Alpine’s standalone engine programme.

That move was taken by some as a sign of Renault’s waning interest in the series. De Meo, however, insisted it was motivated purely by financial considerations and stressed that Formula One remained central to Alpine’s global profile. An outsider might have taken a different view, but Provost underlined his predecessor’s position at last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.

“My visit aims mainly to reaffirm we’re staying in Formula One,” Provost told French broadcaster Canal+. “We’re staying in Formula One for a long time.”

Go deeper:

• What Renault boss Luca de Meo’s shock departure means for Alpine F1 team
• F1: Steve Nielsen returns to Alpine as Oliver Oakes replacement

An early indication of Alpine’s long-term commitment to the sport was its decision to extend Pierre Gasly’s contract until 2028 ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, a move that should bring added stability to the team.

“That’s also a very positive sign,” Provost said of Gasly’s new deal. “We are entering a new era, which will be a performance era but above all a stability era. Pierre’s commitment demonstrates this well.

“Steve [Nielsen’s] appointment as managing director is a good example, too. So, you see, we’ve made many steps forward.”

Nielsen was appointed in July as a replacement for short-serving team principal Oliver Oakes, although de-facto control of the team remains with Flavio Briatore.

Provost’s appointment is good news for the Italian, who is still not officially an Alpine employee. An external appointment might have challenged the arrangement, but Provost appears happy for it to continue.