The reconstruction ofAlpine is starting to show positive signs after a very complicated season. Under the leadership of Flavio Briatore and Steve Nielsen, the team has left behind the last place in the 2025 Constructors' Championship and is currently fighting to finish among the top six. In this context, the CEO of Renault, François Provost, supported the direction of the project and explained that the priority is to consolidate the foundations of the team before setting more ambitious goals.
"My absolute priority today is to stabilize the team, provide it with solid foundations, and start a recovery this year, which is already happening", Provost stated in remarks to Reuters. "Our goal is to achieve at least sixth place. That is the first step. From there, we will define our new vision, our new ambition", he added.
Provost is satisfied with the current state of Alpine, but wants to go for more
The CEO of Renault explained that the strategy is to consolidate the present before projecting the future and stated that the team has already begun to show signs of growth both on and off the track. "When the team is completely disoriented, when we find ourselves in uncertainty, the first thing is to establish very short-term priorities and reorient the team towards achieving very concrete objectives. That is what I call the one-year plan", he noted.
Additionally, he considered that the current situation of the team is good, but there is still much ahead. "The results are good in terms of sports, and things are going well regarding sponsorship. Therefore, I am reasonably satisfied, but I remain humble. I know there is still a long way to go", he commented.
One of the points highlighted by Provost was the decision to abandon the historic Renault engine program and use Mercedes power units, a measure he deemed crucial for the evolution of the team represented on track by Pierre Gasly and the Argentine Franco Colapinto.
Provost highlighted the switch to Mercedes engines
"I don't want to disturb the team or anyone by sowing doubt", he expressed when asked about the possibility of Renault returning to manufacture engines for the Formula 1 in the future. "The situation today is clear: we do not develop engines for Formula 1. We have the Mercedes engine, and it is a good engine. Without a doubt, it is one of the key factors in our recovery this year", he added.
Finally, Provost reaffirmed that Renault will remain linked to the top category of motorsport in the long term and valued the commercial growth of Alpine, which will incorporate Gucci as the main sponsor starting in the 2027 season, in a new phase for a team that seeks to be a protagonist again.
