2026 will be a big year for Formula 1, with Audi completing their takeover of Sauber and entering the sport with high hopes.
It looks as if the title race after Audi’s F1 debut will be a competitive one too, with French team Alpine, who have looked competitive at times this season, aiming to be a team capable of winning by 2026 along with Audi, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull, making for an exciting season.
Renault CEO Luca de Meo has explained that the commercial success of the team has led to them having the resources available to compete with the best in the sport.
“Our team now has a value at the level of the best,” he claimed.
READ: Aston Martin boss rejects Sebastian Vettel claim
“We hope to be a candidate for the title in 2026.”
The team will be boosted by the arrival of AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly next year who will be joining to race alongside Esteban Ocon, after Fernando Alonso announced that he was going to take on a fresh challenge in 2023 with Aston Martin.
This driver pairing will hopefully work alongside the team’s long term vision, with both drivers developing to a level where they are capable of winning races at the point where Alpine can also provide them a car capable of doing so.
The French team have had their fair share of bad luck this season, with both drivers going through an unwanted amount of engine changes, and being forced to retire from multiple races due to mechanical issues, as seen in Mexico with Alonso.
De Mao credits Alpine’s presence in Formula 1 as the reason the team have the finances to complete, suggesting that the rebrand from Renault saved the team from becoming a burden on the company.
“Our presence in Formula 1 has allowed us to boost the recognition of the brand worldwide,” he said.
“Especially in France, it has skyrocketed thanks to Formula 1, and it is a way of preparing ourselves and gaining pedigree for the future.
READ: ‘I’d be lying’: Nicholas Latifi makes admission about 2023 switch
“In these two years, things have changes, 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.”
As for 2022, Alpine will be looking to secure fourth spot in the championship in the final two rounds of the season, with the Mexican Grand Prix seeing McLaren close in to only seven points behind.
The closing of the gap comes mainly down to Alpine’s mechanical failures and DNF’s, something the team will have to fix before they can truly challenge at the top.