Alpine F1 Team Principal Oliver Oakes has unequivocally dismissed swirling rumors about Renault Group’s alleged intentions to sell its Formula 1 team. Following a remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix, Oakes doubled down on the commitment of Renault CEO Luca De Meo to the sport, highlighting a long-term vision for the team despite recent restructuring and challenges.
“Luca De Meo Is In It for the Long Haul”
Speaking after Alpine’s standout performance at Interlagos, Oakes credited De Meo’s unwavering support as a cornerstone for Alpine’s recent resurgence:
“[De Meo] has been very firm that he’s in F1 for the long term. Everyone likes to write that he wants to sell the team, but that’s simply not true,” Oakes asserted. “You can see how passionate he is about this project.”
Oakes, who took over the reins mid-season, highlighted De Meo’s personal investment in Alpine’s success and credited him with granting the team much-needed stability during a turbulent year.
Alpine’s 2024 Transformation
The year has been a rollercoaster for Alpine. Plagued by inconsistent performances early in the season, the team found itself languishing in ninth place in the Constructors’ standings. The double podium at São Paulo, with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finishing behind race winner Max Verstappen, marked a dramatic turnaround.
Key moves such as shuttering Alpine’s Viry-Châtillon engine operations for 2026—opting instead for a Mercedes power unit deal—and bringing Flavio Briatore back into the fold as an advisor have signaled a strategic pivot.
Oakes acknowledged the impact of these changes:
“A little bit of wind in the sails, a bit of stability, and you can see how much that means to everyone at Enstone and Viry.”
Briatore’s Role in Alpine’s Revival
The return of Flavio Briatore, a figure synonymous with the team’s glory days during the Renault F1 era, has been instrumental. The outspoken Italian has spearheaded staff restructuring, streamlining operations while injecting a sense of purpose within the team.
Oakes praised Briatore’s hands-on involvement:
“Even when he’s not at the track, Flavio’s on the phone or texting me. You can see how much this team means to him, and his passion is contagious.”
A Special Bond with Enstone and Viry
As Alpine regains its footing, Oakes paid homage to the team’s legacy and its dual bases in Enstone (chassis) and Viry (engine). These facilities have been the birthplace of countless F1 successes, including multiple championships in the 2000s.
“There’s something special about Enstone and Viry. It’s all the same people who have been through thick and thin together. This team just needed to work as one, and today shows what’s possible when we do.”
Eyes on 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead, Alpine’s trajectory appears firmly rooted in a strategy for sustained success. With a new power unit partnership set to reshape its technical approach, the team is focusing on leveraging its storied engineering heritage to close the gap to the front of the grid.
“It’s a great team with incredible people. Stability and collaboration are the keys to unlocking our potential,” Oakes emphasized.
Final Word
Despite speculation and challenges, the Alpine F1 team remains a cornerstone of Renault’s motorsport ambitions. With a united vision under De Meo, Briatore, and Oakes, the team is poised for a brighter future, demonstrating that resilience and innovation are still alive at Enstone and Viry. The message is clear: Alpine is not for sale—it’s here to compete.