Pierre Gasly has reacted to put an end to rumors that Renault had already decided to abandon its entire powertrain project for 2026 with a view to a possible sale of its team if the Alpine project still does not work.
Boss Bruno Famin immediately called these reports “rumors”but new executive advisor Flavio Briatore then suggested that all options were being considered to return the team to the top of Formula 1.
Even Gasly, who has now been re-signed by Alpine for at least the next two years, suggested to Barcelona last weekend that he was “It is important to look at all the options and then make up your own mind about what is best for performance.”.
“The team is open about it, I trust the management’s decision and I have no concerns about it. Yes, we would lose our status as a factory team, but the regulations are set up in such a way that there is clear parity between the parties, especially in terms of engines.”
But, in Austria, after a whole week of speculation on the possibility that Renault would separate itself from its engine activities in Viry, Gasly put the rumors into perspective much more.
When asked if Alpine could really buy a customer engine from 2026 and then consider selling its team if the project still doesn’t work out, he said: “I don’t understand where these rumors come from.”
“I speak regularly – every week – with Luca de Meo (CEO of Renault), and it immediately became clear to me that these were just rumours. He has always been and remains 100% committed to the project Alpine.”
“I looked very closely at the plans for 2026 because it was important for my next contract when the new regulations come into force. And for me it was never a question because I know how Renault and Alpine are committed to the project and how much they are investing in the team.”
“I believe in the guys from Enstone and Viry.”
