Luca de Meo Reflects on Alpine’s F1 Journey: The High Stakes of Innovation and the Road to 2026
Former Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo shares his candid views on Alpine's Formula 1 performance, the inherent risks of innovation, and the pivotal regulatory changes anticipated for the 2026 season.
Luca de Meo, former CEO of the Renault Group until recently, offered candid remarks in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport (AMUS). He addressed the inherent risk of failure, specifically referencing Alpine’s recent performance in Formula 1. De Meo also touched upon the team’s previous era, when it competed as Renault F1. He served as CEO of SEAT between 2015 and 2020.
De Meo oversaw critical transitions for the brand, including Renault’s rebranding to Alpine and Fernando Alonso’s return to Formula 1. His career spans multiple automotive giants, including Toyota, Fiat, Volkswagen, and Audi. He played a pivotal role in establishing Cupra as a standalone brand for the German group. Cupra now competes in Formula E, with Spanish driver Pepe Martí joining their lineup for the 2025-2026 season.
Luca de Meo, ex CEO del Grupo Renault.
Alpine’s Recent Struggles on the Track
The Enstone-based team has maintained a continuous presence on the Formula 1 grid since 1981, initially entering as Toleman. The team’s headquarters relocated to Oxfordshire in 1991, years after becoming Benetton Formula. Despite securing two titles with Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006, the team has not won another championship. This period included drivers of considerable talent, such as Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, and Alonso himself.
Esteban Ocon secured the team’s only recent victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso proved crucial in that triumph, holding off Lewis Hamilton for several laps. The team has generally operated in the midfield or back of the grid in recent seasons. Occasional highlights include a double podium finish at the chaotic 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, achieved by Ocon and Pierre Gasly.
2026: A Year of Potential Opportunity
For 2026, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto will form the team’s driver lineup. Their confirmations came months ago, ahead of a 2026 season marked by regulatory uncertainty. These new regulations could significantly reshuffle the established grid order. The team currently faces a competitive disadvantage, with McLaren notably superior in terms of machinery. For more on Alpine’s current standing and future prospects, visit the official Formula 1 team page.
“Whoever wants to innovate must accept the risk of failure,” stated Luca de Meo. He cited Renault’s partnership with American firm Plug Power to integrate hydrogen technology into commercial vehicles. The venture did not succeed commercially. De Meo explained that the broader hydrogen ecosystem was not yet prepared. He decided to halt the project to prevent further financial complications.
“Think about Formula 1,” de Meo added. “I would have liked to see Alpine at the front of the grid and on the top of the podium.” He emphasized the difficulty of achieving this without significant regulatory changes. “In 2026, we will see if we have taken the correct organizational and technical steps. I will be there as a fan in the stands!”
Alpine’s Missed Opportunities and Internal Shifts
Under de Meo’s leadership, Alpine failed to make significant progress during the 2021-2022 regulation change. The team experienced numerous leadership shifts, with several team principals in a short span, including Oliver Oakes, Bruno Famin, and Otmar Szafnauer. Even four-time world champion Alain Prost, whose first victory and final title came with the Renault brand, did not remain through the team’s various restructurings.
End of an Era: Renault Engines in F1
Reports suggest Alpine’s switch to Mercedes customer engines could offer an initial advantage for 2026. Sources indicate Mercedes will supply the most advanced engine under the new regulations. This does not guarantee Alpine a front-running position. McLaren and Williams, with Carlos Sainz increasingly leading the latter, will also use Mercedes engines. Historically, not all Mercedes-powered teams have performed at the front, as seen with Williams’ challenging 2019 season.
The 2025 season marks the end of Renault engines in Formula 1, concluding an uninterrupted presence since 1989. This period includes engines branded Mecachrome, Supertec, and Playlife between 1998 and 2000. Renault engines powered teams to nine Constructors’ titles and carried six world champions to glory: Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher (in 1995 with Benetton Renault), Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, and Fernando Alonso.
