Renault F1 boss was seen doing something ‘unusual’ in the paddock amid Alpine sale rumours

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Alpine Formula 1 bosses have repeatedly insisted over the last year that their team is not for sale. But the rumours persist in the background.

From next year, Alpine will no longer be a works team. They have agreed a deal to use Mercedes engines, having suspended their own F1 engine operation.

This was seen externally as a move that would make the team more appealing to potential buyers. They wouldn’t have to take on the enormous cost of overseeing a powertrain department.

One can understand how Alpine’s results may have dented Renault’s appetite to continue in F1. The French giants re-entered the sport in 2016 and rebranded in 2021, but as they approach the end of their 10th season, they’re still without a race win and have only scored eight podiums.

Alpine sale rumours persist despite Francois Provost’s assurances to F1 rivals

Writing in his ‘Green Notebook’, journalist Joe Saward reported that ‘most people in F1’ still think Renault will sell Alpine. They currently own 76% of the operation, having sold the remainder to a consortium fronted by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Saward says the team’s results are seen as ‘quite embarrassing for a major car manufacturer’. They’re currently bottom of the constructors’ championship, which would be a first for the revived project.

Francois Provost, Renault’s new CEO, travelled to last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix for ‘a most unusual meet-and-greet’ with other F1 team bosses. He hoped to reassure them that the brand are ‘not about to quit’.

But there’s still a feeling that Flavio Briatore was appointed to arrange a lucrative sale ‘in the shortest period of time possible’, hence his decisive and immediate action.

It’s worth noting that lead driver Pierre Gasly signed a contract extension until 2028 prior to the Italian GP weekend. One suspects he received some insight on the team’s future plans before doing so.

How much is the Alpine F1 team worth?

As of last year, Alpine were valued at £1.2bn, making them the sixth biggest asset on the grid. That was an increase of nearly £400m on the year before.

Based on the fact that Aston Martin, a fellow midfield team who have only been slightly more successful, were recently valued at almost £2.5bn, that figure may rise sharply once again.

Christian Horner has a close relationship with Briatore, and there have been rumours that he could take on a role at Alpine after he was sacked by Red Bull. It’s believed that he wants a stake in the team this time.

Apparently, Horner would have to pay Renault £298m to gain his desired foothold. He may well be following developments closely.