When Renault Group appointed François Provost as its new CEO in mid-2025, he inherited more than just a company—he inherited questions about its Formula 1 commitment. With the Enstone operation currently languishing at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship, and major shifts planned in their power unit strategy, fans and pundits alike were wondering: Is Alpine’s F1 future secure? Provost’s recent statements put those concerns to bed.
Provost Puts the Speculation to Rest
In his first press appearance since taking the helm, at the Italian Grand Prix paddock, François Provost delivered clarity on Alpine’s trajectory:
“I have no intention of changing that. Formula 1 is an integral part of our fundamental strategy for Alpine.”
Later reflecting on his experience within the paddock, Provost reaffirmed the message:
“We are staying in Formula 1 for a long time.”
Those are powerful words from the group’s new leader—and a big win for anyone invested in seeing Alpine remain on the grid.
Briatore Backs Him Up
Not everyone was automatically sold, but Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s Executive Advisor and driver of the Enstone strategy, was quick to affirm that Provost’s stance aligned with Alpine’s own:
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“Renault wants to stay in Formula 1… the new CEO is very enthusiastic about the Formula 1 programme.”
He dismissed any suggestion that the change in leadership would disrupt Alpine’s path forward:
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“Everybody’s happy… [the change] will not affect the F1 team.”
That unity at the top is a strong vote of confidence for the future of the team.
Context: Why This Matters
Alpine has been on a rough patch. After 14 races, they sit last in Constructors’ standings, with just 20 points, all scored by Pierre Gasly.
Moreover, 2026 brings a seismic shift—Renault’s in-house engine programme concludes after this season. Alpine will become a customer team, powered by Mercedes, joining McLaren, Williams, and the works squad.
That transition raised speculation that Renault could use the change to exit F1 altogether—but Provost emphatically ruled that out.
Gasly Stays—and Embodies That Commitment
Adding further proof of Alpine’s long-term strategy was the announcement of Pierre Gasly’s contract extension through 2028—a bold move to anchor the team amid transition:
“I’m thrilled to commit my long-term future to Alpine… I have always felt that this team is the right place to be for the future.”
Gasly’s consistency has been a rare constant in 2025, and the extension signals faith in both driver and team as they prepare for the hybrid era of 2026 and beyond.
What This Signals for Fans and the Grid
With Provost in charge and Briatore steering Alpine’s strategy, the team has firm reaffirmation from Renault HQ:
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No exit plan. Alpine is here to stay.
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Smooth transition ahead. The shift to Mercedes power should be a competitive upgrade.
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Long-term stability, for contenders and fans alike.
While performance on track still needs to improve, these commitments offer a clear foundation.
Final Thoughts
Alpine’s future in F1 had been murky—threatened by engine programme shutdowns, mid-season struggles, and leadership shakeups. But with François Provost publicly confirming the team’s permanence, backed by Flavio Briatore’s leadership and Pierre Gasly’s long-term signing, the Enstone outfit now has direction, heart, and stability.
In the sport’s most volatile seasons, that counts for a lot. And if results follow, Alpine’s return to competitiveness may not be far off.
