From next year, Renault will drive with a different name and in a different color scheme in Formula 1. Cyril Abiteboul’s team will be called Alpine and will no longer appear on the circuit with yellow but blue cars.
The name change is a result of a restructuring within Renault, with Abiteboul taking charge of the Alpine car brand, which has a history in long-distance racing and rallying. With the change, Renault wants to get a more French appearance in Formula 1. The car will be predominantly blue with red and white accents. Renault remains the engine supplier.
“This comes at a key moment in the trajectory of the team and Formula 1. The new regulations and the introduction of the budget cap will make it possible for Alpine to compete for victory,” said Abiteboul. Renault has been active in Formula 1 intermittently since 1977. After world titles in 2005 and 2006 – in both years Fernando Alonso became champion – the French manufacturer returned to the sport in 2016 after a five-year absence.
Under Abiteboul’s leadership, ambitions are high, but Renault has not yet been able to get into the top. This season, the factory team will drive Esteban Ocon and Daniel Ricciardo, who will leave for McLaren in 2021 and will be succeeded by Alonso.