F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Renault CEO Provost pledges Alpine’s long-term commitment to F1

Newly installed Renault CEO François Provost has moved to silence once again speculation over Alpine’s future in Formula 1, declaring that the French manufacturer is “staying in Formula 1 for a long time.”

Provost’s comments mark the first public show of support for the Enstone outfit since the 57-yaer-old executive assumed the CEO role in late July.

Provost, who replaced Luca de Meo at the helm of Renault during a turbulent financial period for the company, made his first F1 paddock appearance at Monza last weekend.

Speaking to French broadcaster Canal+, he underlined the importance of reaffirming Alpine’s commitment to the championship despite persistent buyout rumours.

“My visit aims mainly to reaffirm we’re staying in Formula 1. We’re staying in Formula 1 for a long time,” Provost said.

He pointed to Alpine lead driver Pierre Gasly’s new contract, which runs until 2028, as a key milestone in stabilizing the team.

“That’s also a very positive sign,” Provost explained. “We are entering a new era, which will be a performance era but above all a stability era. Pierre’s commitment demonstrates this well.

“Steve’s appointment as managing director is a good example, too. So, you see, we’ve made many steps forward.”

Gasly Buoyed by Stability

Gasly, who has shouldered much of Alpine’s burden during a bruising season that sees the team rooted to the bottom of the Constructors’ table, was thrilled to commit his long-term future in F1 to Alpine.

“As a Frenchman, especially, driving for a French car company makes me feel very proud. Since I joined in 2023, I have always felt this team is the right place to be for the future,” he said ahaed of last weekend’s race.

“Flavio’s [Briatore] support and belief in me, François’ [Provost] commitment to the Formula One project, as well as the people we have in Enstone made this a natural decision.”

Gasly has collected all 20 of the team’s points so far in 2025, while teammate Franco Colapinto has yet to score since replacing Jack Doohan mid-season. With in-season car development already halted in favour of focusing on the looming 2026 rules reset, the Enstone squad has effectively written off this campaign.

A New Era Under Pressure

Provost takes charge at a delicate moment, with Renault reporting an €11.2 billion loss in the first half of 2025, including a €9.3 billion write-down of its Nissan stake. The financial turbulence sparked a sharp drop in Renault’s share price in July, further fuelling whispers about Alpine’s long-term F1 viability.

Yet with Gasly tied down, Flavio Briatore reshaping leadership behind the scenes, and Steve Nielsen freshly installed as managing director, Provost insists Alpine is not going anywhere.

For now, at least, Renault’s flag is firmly planted in Formula 1 soil – and Alpine’s journey continues with stability as its new watchword.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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