MX23RW : Monday, December 16 09:21:17| >> :600:2395649:2395649:

Renault CEO says Alpine wants F1 title shot by 2026

Renault CEO says Alpine wants F1 title shot by 2026
© Reuters
Alpine aims to fight for the world championship by 2026, according to team owner Renault's CEO Luca de Meo.

Alpine aims to fight for the world championship by 2026, according to team owner Renault's CEO Luca de Meo.

It has been a mixed second season under Alpine branding for the Enstone based team, with Fernando Alonso leaving for Aston Martin and bemoaning his series of reliability problems.

The team also lost its intended replacement for the Spaniard, Alpine development driver Oscar Piastri, to McLaren amid an intense contract dispute.

Nonetheless, de Meo says Alpine is still on track.

"Our presence in Formula 1 has allowed us to boost the recognition of the brand worldwide," he is quoted by the Spanish press.

"Especially in France, it has skyrocketed thanks to Formula 1, and it is a way of preparing ourselves and gaining pedigree for the future."

He makes no mistake that, just "two years ago" when the rebranding took place, Renault's Formula 1 team "was not considered an asset to the company but as an expense".

"It was one more line in the budget," de Meo admitted.

"In these two years, things have changed, not only in the company in general, which is now a top-tier player as a car manufacturer, but also in the racing program, which is really ambitious.

"Our team now has value at the level of the best. We hope to be a candidate for the title in 2026."

ID:499272:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect2019:
Written by
GMM F1

Click here for more stories about Luca de Meo

Click here for more stories about Renault

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Oscar Piastri pictured on May 19, 2022
Read Next:
Piastri up and running in secret McLaren test
>
rhs 2.0


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!