What Happened to Renault F1 Team? Why did Renault Leave F1?
by Rubaditsha
Updated Jul 19, 2023
What Happened to Renault F1 Team?
The Renault Formula 1 team underwent significant changes, including a rebranding to Alpine. At the beginning of the 2021 season, Renault announced that they would continue in Formula 1 but under a new name and new colors. This decision was part of a strategic shift within the Renault Group, focusing on key brands like Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and New Mobility. The new CEO, Luca de Meo, aimed to promote the Alpine brand, known for the A110 sportscar.
Renault has had a sporadic history in Formula 1. They entered the sport in 1977, achieving their first victory in 1979. After a hiatus, they returned in 2002 by acquiring the Benetton team, enjoying their most successful period with back-to-back championships in 2005 and 2006. However, a scandal in 2008 tarnished their reputation, leading to a two-year suspended ban. They sold the team in 2010 but returned in 2016 after repurchasing it from Genii Capital.
The rebranding to Alpine provided a fresh start. Alpine, with a rich motorsport history, has been closely associated with Renault since being bought by them in 1973. The team's future chassis were known as "Alpines," while still running Renault engines. The rebrand aimed to enhance the Alpine brand's prestige in Formula 1 alongside other renowned manufacturers.
The Alpine Formula 1 team faced changes in leadership, with Cyril Abiteboul departing as team principal and Laurent Rossi taking over. Despite some senior members leaving, Alpine remained more stable. They have made gradual progress, finishing fifth in the Constructors' Championship before moving up to fourth in 2022. The departure of Fernando Alonso for the 2023 season adds pressure on French drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon to perform.
The Renault Formula 1 team transformed into the Alpine F1 team through a rebranding effort aimed at promoting the Alpine brand and aligning it with the prestigious world of Formula 1. They have made progress but are still striving to establish themselves among the top teams in the sport.
Why did Renault Leave F1?
Renault did not leave Formula 1 entirely, but rather went through a rebranding process, transforming into the Alpine F1 team. The decision to rebrand was part of a strategic shift within the Renault Group, focusing on key brands like Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and New Mobility. The new CEO, Luca de Meo, aimed to promote the Alpine brand, which produces the A110 sports car.
Renault's involvement in Formula 1 has been sporadic throughout its history. They entered the sport in 1977 and achieved success with victories and championships in their first and second spells as a constructor. However, they faced challenges, including the "Crashgate" scandal in 2008, which resulted in a suspended ban.
While Renault sold a majority stake in their team in 2010 and temporarily withdrew as a constructor, they remained involved in Formula 1 as an engine supplier to teams like Williams and Red Bull. They later repurchased the team in 2015 and returned as a full constructor in 2016.
The decision to rebrand as Alpine was not an exit from Formula 1 but a strategic move to revitalize the team's performance and align with the Alpine brand's heritage and success in motorsport. The rebranding aimed to bring a fresh start, new credibility, and a sense of dynamism to the team.
Renault did not leave Formula 1 but underwent a rebranding process to become the Alpine F1 team. The decision was driven by a strategic focus on key brands within the Renault Group and aimed to revitalize performance and align with the prestigious Alpine brand. Renault's involvement in Formula 1 continues under the Alpine name, marking a new chapter for the team.
Renault F1 Drivers 2023
Alfa Romeo-Ferrari
77. Valtteri Bottas
24. Zhou Guanyu
AlphaTauri-Red Bull
21. Nyck de Vries
22. Yuki Tsunoda
Alpine-Renault
31. Esteban Ocon
10. Pierre Gasly
Aston Martin-Mercedes
14. Fernando Alonso
18. Lance Stroll
Ferrari
16. Charles Leclerc
55. Carlos Sainz Jr.
Haas-Ferrari
20. Kevin Magnussen
27. Nico Hülkenberg
McLaren-Mercedes
81. Oscar Piastri
4. Lando Norris
Mercedes
44. Lewis Hamilton
63. George Russell
Red Bull Racing
11. Sergio Perez
33. Max Verstappen
Williams-Mercedes
23. Alex Albon
2. Logan Sargeant
Team
Driver
Renault in Formula One
Renault, a French automobile manufacturer, has had a significant presence in Formula One since 1977, serving as both a team owner and an engine manufacturer. Their involvement began as a constructor, introducing the turbo engine to the sport with their EF1 engine. In 1983, Renault expanded its role by supplying engines to other teams. Although the Renault team achieved race victories, they withdrew from Formula One at the end of 1985. However, Renault engines continued to be used by other teams until 1986.
In 1989, Renault returned to Formula One as an engine manufacturer and went on to achieve remarkable success. With Williams and Benetton, they secured five drivers' titles and six constructors' titles between 1992 and 1997. After ending their works involvement in 1997, Renault continued supplying engines until 2000, albeit without direct factory support.
Renault made another significant move in 2000 by acquiring the Benetton Formula team, which was subsequently rebranded as Renault in 2002. The team enjoyed tremendous success, winning the drivers' and constructors' championships in 2005 and 2006.
Although Renault sold its shares in the Enstone-based team in 2011, they remained in Formula One as an engine manufacturer. Their engines powered Red Bull Racing to four consecutive drivers' and constructors' titles from 2010 to 2013.
Renault reacquired the Enstone-based team in 2016 and retained the Renault name. However, they struggled to achieve victories in the following years. In 2021, the team underwent another rebranding and became known as Alpine, while Renault continued as the engine manufacturer.
As a team owner, Renault has secured two constructors' and drivers' championships, while their engines have contributed to 12 constructors' and 11 drivers' championships. They have accumulated over 160 wins as an engine supplier, placing them fourth in Formula One history.
Alpine F1 Team
Competing as the BWT Alpine F1 Team, the Alpine F1 Team is a Formula One constructor that entered the sport at the beginning of the 2021 season. Previously known as the Renault F1 Team, it was owned by the French automotive company Groupe Renault.
The team underwent a rebranding for 2021 to promote Renault's sports car brand, Alpine, while still operating as Renault's works team. The team's chassis and management operations are based in Enstone, Oxfordshire, England, while the engine side of the team is located in Viry-Châtillon, a suburb of Paris, France. The Alpine F1 Team competes with a French license.
What Happened to Renault F1 Team:FAQs
The Renault F1 Team made its debut in Formula One in 1977.
Renault won two Constructors' Championships in Formula One.
Renault returned to Formula One as an engine manufacturer in 1989.
Renault won five drivers' titles and six constructors' titles between 1992 and 1997.
The team was rebranded as Renault when Renault acquired the Benetton Formula team.