For years there has been speculation about Renault’s long-term commitment to Formula One, with persistent rumours suggesting that the French manufacturer could eventually pull out of the sport altogether. This speculation has gained momentum in recent years, particularly after Renault decided to discontinue its in-house Formula One engine programme.
However, Flavio Briatore, who rejoined Renault as a consultant in 2024, has categorically denied these claims, insisting that Renault has no plans to sell its F1 team.
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Rumours reignited by engine programme decision
The decision to end Renault’s engine development programme and switch to Mercedes customer engines from 2026 has added fuel to the fire.
From 2021, the Renault factory team will run under the Alpine banner, with its competitive future now tied to the performance of Mercedes power units.
Despite these developments, Briatore remains resolute. Speaking to *auto motor und sport*, he questioned the logic behind such rumours.
“I don’t understand these speculations,” he said. “Since I’ve been at Renault, the same questions have been asked. When we won the title in 2005 and 2006, I was asked if Renault wanted to stay in F1.”
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A familiar role for Briatore
Briatore is no stranger to the Renault team. He previously served as team principal in the 1990s and 2000s, leading the team, then known as Benetton, through a transformative era before its acquisition by Renault.
Under his leadership, Renault won back-to-back Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in 2005 and 2006.
Reflecting on his tenure, Briatore highlighted Renault’s unwavering support. “The truth is: I always got what I needed from Renault to do the job,” he explained.
“They appreciate that I’m careful with their money. I believe in efficiency. That’s why I save money in areas that don’t make my car faster”.
This pragmatic approach underpins the decision to focus on customer engines from 2026.
“The French want to win. We’re not going to win with our engine. It’s as simple as that,” said Briatore bluntly. “If we want to win, we have to give up the areas where we are not competitive.”
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Tackling the “Alpine-Mercedes” perception
Critics have raised concerns about the optics of racing with the Alpine Renault brand using Mercedes engines rather than Renault power units. However, Briatore dismissed these concerns, pointing to the precedent set by other teams in similar situations.
“McLaren are world champions with a Mercedes engine. How many times have you read or heard about McLaren-Mercedes winning the world championship? I never have,” he argued.
He also pointed to Haas as another example, noting that the team’s partnership with Ferrari does not overshadow its identity. “Haas is Haas, not Haas-Ferrari.”
For Briatore, the switch to Mercedes engines is a purely sporting decision aimed at improving Alpine’s competitiveness.
“Thanks to the Mercedes engine, we have one less problem to worry about in the future,” he said, underlining the practical benefits of the move.
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Renault’s history of exits and returns
While Briatore’s confidence in Renault’s commitment is unwavering, history provides some context for the persistent rumours. Renault has twice left F1 as a factory team, only to return later.
The first withdrawal came after the 1985 season, marking the end of Renault’s pioneering turbo era. The company returned in 2002 after acquiring the Benetton team and enjoyed considerable success in the mid-2000s.
By 2010, however, Renault had gradually reduced its involvement, selling a majority stake in the team before withdrawing completely.
In 2016, Renault re-entered Formula One, buying back the Enstone-based team and later rebranding it as Alpine in 2021. This cyclical history of exits and returns has fuelled scepticism about Renault’s long-term presence in the sport.
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A vision for Alpine’s future
Despite this historical precedent, Briatore is optimistic about the team’s future. He sees the decision to use Mercedes engines as a strategic step towards achieving Alpine’s competitive goals. “The French want to win,” he reiterated, stressing the importance of focusing resources on areas where the team can excel.
This strategy reflects Briatore’s trademark efficiency-driven management style, which favours performance over sentimentality.
“I believe in efficiency,” he said. “That’s why I save money in areas that don’t make my car faster.”
While speculation about Renault’s exit from F1 may continue, Briatore’s comments provide clarity on the manufacturer’s current intentions. By teaming up with Mercedes for power units, Renault aims to position itself as a serious contender in the years to come.
Ultimately, the focus remains on building a competitive car and team, rather than on speculation. For Briatore and Renault, the way forward is clear: maximise resources, embrace pragmatism and strive for victory – regardless of the badge on the engine.
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