Renault shocker: Group CEO Luca de Meo resigns - Alpine F1 future unclear

Renault delivered a shocker on Sunday evening with the announcement of the resignation of Group CEO Luca de Meo, marking the end of his transformative tenure at the helm of the French automotive giant.

The 58-year-old Italian, who has led Renault since July 2020, cited a desire to “pursue new challenges” as the reason for his departure.

According to a statement released by the French manufacturer, de Meo’s resignation will take effect on July 15, following a 30-day notice period during which he will continue to serve as CEO while the board searches for a successor.

De Meo’s exit comes at a pivotal moment for Renault, which he described as a “transformed company, poised for the future.”

“Today, the results speak for themselves: they are the best in our history. We have a strong team and an agile organisation. We also have a strategic plan ready for the next generation of products,” he said, reflecting on his achievements.

De Meo emphasized that his decision to step down was driven by a sense of completion: “There comes a time in one’s life when one knows the job is done.”

He expressed confidence in Renault’s future, highlighting the company’s robust strategic foundation as he prepares to explore new ventures in other sectors.

Turmoil at Alpine Under de Meo's Leadership

During his five-year tenure, de Meo spearheaded significant changes at Renault, including a bold restructuring of its motorsport division.

One of his most notable decisions was the rebranding of the Renault Formula 1 team as Alpine in 2021, aligning it with the company’s sports car brand to enhance its market presence.

However, Alpine’s performance in Formula 1 has been inconsistent and disappointing, with the team securing fourth place in the 2022 Constructors’ Championship but slipping to sixth in subsequent seasons.

De Meo’s leadership saw a revolving door of team principals and CEOs at Alpine, reflecting the challenges of stabilizing the squad’s competitive standing.

A key strategic move under de Meo was the decision to discontinue Alpine’s works engine program at Viry-Chatillon for the 2026 season, opting instead to use Mercedes power units.

This shift sparked debate within the motorsport community, as it marked a significant departure from Renault’s long-standing tradition of developing its own engines.

Additionally, de Meo brought in Flavio Briatore, a polarizing figure in Formula 1, as Alpine’s executive advisor in 2024, leveraging Briatore’s experience to guide the team’s strategy.

The recent departure of team principal Oliver Oakes has further intensified speculation about Alpine’s direction, with reports suggesting that Steve Nielsen, a former F1 and FIA official who worked under Briatore at Benetton, is set to return to the team.

Implications for Alpine F1

The departure of Luca de Meo could have far-reaching consequences for Alpine’s Formula 1 program. As the architect of the team’s rebranding and strategic overhaul, de Meo’s vision has been central to Alpine’s identity and ambitions.

His exit raises questions about the continuity of these initiatives, particularly as the team navigates a period of transition with new leadership and the shift to Mercedes engines.

• Read also: Alpine set to announce F1 veteran Steve Nielsen as team manager

The incoming CEO’s approach to motorsport investment and commitment to Alpine’s F1 aspirations will be critical, especially given the team’s recent struggles to maintain a competitive edge.

With Briatore’s influence and Nielsen’s potential return, Alpine may double down on its current strategy, but the absence of de Meo’s unifying leadership could create uncertainty, potentially impacting team morale, sponsor confidence, and long-term planning as the 2026 regulatory changes loom.

Ultimately, this latest development could lead to an outright sale of the Enstone squad, something many pundits have anticipated over that two years.

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