Francois Provost reaffirms Renault commitment in first F1 visit

Renault’s new CEO Francois Provost has used his first paddock appearance to underline the company’s dedication to Formula 1.

Provost, who stepped in after Luca de Meo’s shock departure, was at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix amid persistent speculation about Renault’s future in F1 and rumours of a potential Briatore-Ecclestone-Horner-led Alpine takeover. “I’m very happy to be here,” Provost told Canal Plus.

"The main objective of my visit is to reiterate that we will stay in Formula 1. We will stay in Formula 1 for a long time. I think we’re entering a new era, one of performance, of course, but above all, stability. Pierre (Gasly)’s commitment is a good example of this, and the arrival of Steve as COO is also a good example. So, as you can see, we’ve come a long way.”

That was a reference to Steve Nielsen, whose first outing as Alpine’s new COO was also at Monza. His appointment was overseen by Flavio Briatore, who recently attempted to put exit rumours to rest.

“The new CEO is very enthusiastic about the Formula 1 program,” Briatore said of Provost. “Renault wants to stay in Formula 1. For the moment, in the Renault Group, there’s no drama, no change. Everybody’s happy.”

The open question remains who will partner Gasly, already secured until 2028. Rookie Franco Colapinto’s uneven rookie campaign has left the door open for other contenders.

Yuki Tsunoda has been linked, while Auto Hebdo tipped Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich as a possible candidate despite his heavy involvement in Aston’s 2026 project.

“Next year will be mainly focused on the engine, the battery and energy savings, and that is essentially all the experience I have gained in Hypercar and Formula E as well,” Drugovich told the magazine. “I have already driven on the 2026 tyres, and I will do even more testing.”

Colapinto’s fitness was also questioned at Monza, with reports suggesting he appeared pale, dizzy and unwell after the race. Meanwhile Mercedes reserve Frederik Vesti, previously linked with Cadillac before Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez were signed, admitted he is still in discussions elsewhere.

“Right now I’m not in a place where I’ve lost faith and think that Formula 1 is just over. I believe in things more than I ever have,” the Dane told Ekstra Bladet. “There are three or four other teams. Let’s keep it to three realistic teams, with Cadillac being one. But otherwise I’d rather not throw out too many names.”