The future of the Alpine Formula 1 team is reportedly uncertain, as rumors suggest that parent company Renault may consider selling the team due to its poor performance. Alpine has had a disappointing season in 2024 so far, failing to score any points and having a car considered one of the weakest on the grid. This is not the expected standard for a full factory team, and the rebranding of the F1 team in 2021 to promote the Alpine sports car brand only added to the marketing challenges. Speculations began circulating in the Suzuka paddock that Alpine could be up for sale, but with the condition that any potential buyer must use Renault as the power unit supplier. The Enstone-based team has always been closely associated with the engine facility in Viry, especially during the periods when the Renault Group owned them. However, Alpine has denied the rumors, stating that the team is not for sale. Despite this, considering the turbulent period Alpine has experienced in the past year, a sale would not be surprising, especially if an outside team is eager to enter the F1 scene. Since the team failed to achieve its goal of challenging the front-running teams in 2023 and instead found itself in the middle of the pack, Alpine made significant changes in its leadership, parting ways with former CEO Laurent Rossi, team principal Otmar Szafnauer, and key figures Alan Permane and Pat Fry before the end of the European leg of the season.
Bruno Famin took over the team, but Alpine’s lackluster start to the season resulted in the departure of Technical Director Matt Harman and Aerodynamics Chief Dirk de Beer before the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Instead of Harman, a three-pronged technical structure, similar to McLaren’s approach, was implemented, with Joe Burnell (engineering), Ciaron Pilbeam (performance), and David Wheather (aerodynamics) all reporting to Famin.
Additionally, long-time team member and advisor Bob Bell left the team to join Aston Martin as their new Chief Executive Officer.
The team’s off-track turmoil and poor on-track performance will not be well received by Renault or the new group of American investors in the F1 team, including sports and movie stars, who bought a 200 million euro stake in the team last summer, valuing it at 800 million euros.
If Renault decides to sell, these American investors may turn to Andretti to take over the team’s position.
Michael Andretti has made several unsuccessful attempts to enter the F1 grid, including a failed attempt to take over Sauber in 2022 and a team proposal rejected by the FIA last year.
However, Andretti, whose team was initially set to be a customer of Alpine engines before partnering with General Motors, has continued to push his efforts in F1 and recently acquired a site in Silverstone to pursue his F1 dream.
Instead of dividing the lucrative pie that was collectively earned through the financial challenges of Covid, FOM and the F1 teams prefer to maintain the current business model.
Therefore, the preferred method for a new team to enter is by buying the spot of an existing team on the grid, aligning with F1’s shift to a franchise model inspired by American sports under Liberty Media.
If the rumors are true, it is likely that Andretti will secure Alpine’s place on the F1 grid, providing Renault with a substantial amount of money to offset the impact of another F1 exit, granting Andretti the coveted spot in the series and allowing the remaining teams to keep their share of the prize fund.
Everyone comes out as winners.
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Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo surprised everyone by announcing his retirement from the field. At 39 years old, the player decided to end his career after a brilliant and title-filled journey. Ronaldo, considered one of the greatest players of all time, will be missed by fans and the soccer world.
Throughout his career, Ronaldo won numerous trophies and broke several records. He was a five-time UEFA Champions League winner, won the World Cup with the Portuguese national team, and was named the best player in the world on several occasions. His skill and talent on the field have always been admired by all.
In addition to his success in soccer, Ronaldo is also known for his humanitarian work. He is a UNICEF ambassador and has helped improve the lives of many children around the world. His generosity and dedication to helping those in need are examples to be followed.
The news of Ronaldo’s retirement caught everyone off guard, but the player stated that he is happy with his decision. He now intends to spend more time with his family and focus on other personal projects. The soccer world will miss his presence on the field, but his legacy will continue to live on in everyone’s memory.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a true sports icon and his career will always be remembered as one of the most brilliant in history. His accomplishments and achievements will be forever recorded and will serve as inspiration for future generations of players. Thank you, Ronaldo, for everything you have done for football.
