Renault's CEO states that Alpine F1 is not being prepared for sale.

      Renault CEO Luca de Meo has firmly denied that the French automaker is planning to sell its Formula 1 team. New team advisor Flavio Briatore has emphasized his efforts to elevate the Enstone-based team back to F1 prominence, but others interpret recent financial restructuring and the shift away from factory power units as indications that Alpine is being "readied" for sale. "The press often inquires whether we want to sell, but that has never been our intention," de Meo stated, alongside Briatore during the unveiling of the 2025 car, in an interview with AS newspaper.

      Several specialized publications have reported that Alpine has "recycled" its 2024 chassis for the upcoming season, making few changes to the aerodynamics or bodywork. However, de Meo asserts that Alpine is focused on making improvements this year and aims to enter the new regulatory era in 2026 with a robust foundation for success. "I want it to work, including financially, which is why we implemented changes like separating the power unit," he explained, referring to the shift to customer Mercedes power starting next year. "Currently, the financial situation is stable for Renault, and we no longer face the financial challenges we did four years ago. At that time, we were losing 40 million a day, and I needed to justify our F1 participation. We achieved that with Alpine to develop a new range of cars. But now, my role has changed - I need to assemble the right team to make improvements."

      De Meo noted that whether the Alpine team posts a profit each year is nearly irrelevant. "If you compare the value of the Alpine brand to four years ago, it has tripled," he pointed out. "F1 significantly enhances brand positioning and has undoubtedly been a worthwhile investment." Regarding the team's annual profits or losses, he continued: "It depends on the benefits, as part of the financial performance comes from prize money. However, we are likely to make it work, and even if there are losses, these can always be viewed as a marketing investment."

      He even suggested that winning in Formula 1 is not essential for brands like Renault or Alpine. "You simply need to be present," he stated. "This is the pinnacle of motorsport, and competing with Aston Martin, Ferrari, Mercedes, and other notable names is crucial. It’s the best for us." De Meo also expressed his strong support for F1's shift from appealing predominantly to dedicated fans to attracting a younger, more mainstream audience. "A brand that fails to engage with young people will die in 20 years, as they will eventually become your customers," he remarked. "I appreciate that Formula 1 is capturing a younger audience and expanding beyond just car enthusiasts. This approach makes the business much more compelling, reaching a broader audience and benefiting the sport overall."