A Deeper Look into Alpine and Renault’s History and What Alpine Brings to Formula 1

Renault F1 announced last season that they will drive under a new identity in 2021. Earlier this week, Alpine revealed their interim livery as a part of their rebranding process.

In the process of creating a new identity, they have made a sweeping managerial change. The team announced earlier that Renault’s former F1 team principal Cyril Abiteboul will be replaced by Laurent Rossi in Alpine.

Alpine is making their first appearance in Formula 1. However, the team is not new to motor racing. According to a report, “The Alpine brand is renowned throughout motorsport, with the marque taking victories in the Le Mans 24 Hours and in rallying.”

“The brand has never appeared as a manufacturer in F1 before, though Renault’s first foray into Grand Prix racing in 1977 was with a team formed from the Alpine and Gordini competition departments.”

ALSO READ – What Is Alpine and How Is It Connected to Renault F1?

How was Alpine founded?

Around 65 years ago, Renault helped establish Alpine, a French manufacturer of racing and sports cars. The Société des Automobiles Alpine has worked closely with Renault through its history.

“With Renault’s top brass backing the idea, the cars and Alpine brand were launched at the 1955 Paris motor show,” stated another report.

The Alpine competition department merged into Renault Sport in 1976, and the production of Alpine models ceased in 1995. The Enstone based company eventually bought the company in 1973. Renault revived Alpine with the launch of Alpine A110 in 2017.

The Société des Automobiles Alpine has also announced that they will develop a range of electric cars in partnership with Lotus this year.

Renault CEO explains what Alpine brings to Formula 1

Alpine brings a whole new character to the grid, a team with different values and cultures. They also come with a rich and successful history of motorsport racing. It is a new and exciting brand, that has the potential to make the F1 grid much more exciting.

“By introducing Alpine, a symbol of French excellence, to the most prestigious of the world’s automotive disciplines, we are continuing the adventure of manufacturers in a renewed sport. Alpine will also bring its values to the F1 paddock: elegance, ingenuity and audacity.”

Why is Alpine replacing Renault?

Since Renault’s return to F1 in 2016, they have failed to live up to the highs of the brand. It took four years for the team to claim a podium since their return. The idea of rebranding is to come back with a new identity of the team.

The team is changing their name, their values, their driver line up, and management personnel. Meanwhile, Alpine has a proud sporting heritage and helped revolutionize F1 technology with turbocharging.

Maybe the rebranding and identity change will help the team overcome their past difficulties. Alpine will enter the grid this season with young Esteban Ocon and former champion Fernando Alonso.

Do you believe that Alpine’s sporting success and heritage will rub on to the team and help them succeed?