This is what returning two-time champion Fernando Alonso, and Esteban Ocon, will be driving as Alpine kickstart their new era with blue, white and red Formula 1 car; Renault have rebranded as performance sub-brand Alpine for 2021
Tuesday 2 March 2021 18:38, UK
Alpine have launched their first-ever Formula 1 car and livery for the 2021 season, with Renault's rebranded team revealing a blue debut look.
Alpine are a new name for 2021 after Renault decided to give their niche performance sub-brand the full F1 treatment, and stayed true to their promise of incorporating the French tricolour flag onto their challenger - which Fernando Alonso will be driving this year on his return to the grid.
The new-look car, named the A521, radiated blue with splashes of red and white, ditching the yellow and black colour scheme used by Renault over the last five years.
The Alpine name, which has motorsport pedigree through endurance and rally programmes, is also prominent throughout.
"It is a true joy to see the powerful, vibrant Alpine name on a Formula 1 car," said Renault Group CEO Luca De Meo. "New colours, new managing team, ambitious plans: it's a new beginning, building on a 40-year history."
Excitement about Alpine's arrival isn't just generated by a new name and look, with the return of two-time world champion Alonso also an intriguing prospect for the team and F1.
While Alonso, who is recovering from a fractured jaw following a cycling accident, was not present at the team launch due to travel restrictions, he is determined to succeed after two years away from F1 - and somewhat indirectly with the Renault team he secured back-to-back titles with well over a decade ago.
Alonso will be partnered by Esteban Ocon, the young Frenchman who is looking to kick on after struggling next to Daniel Ricciardo in 2020.
"I'm very excited to be back in Formula 1 and to be part of Alpine F1 Team's next chapter in the sport," said Alonso, now 39. "I've been working hard to prepare myself for racing back in Formula 1 and the target is to attack from the beginning.
"Driving the car for the first time is going to be a very exciting experience and I hope both factories can saviour the moment. We have a strong team and together with Esteban we must push on from last year and deliver results.
"We know it's going to be a very competitive season, but we're ready for the challenge. The car looks great and I have fond memories of racing with blue in Formula 1."
Former Red Bull and Toro Rosso driver Daniil Kvyat has joined as reserve driver.
Alpine also have a new backroom team, with Cyril Abiteboul leaving earlier this year. Laurent Rossi has been hired from within Renault to become the Alpine CEO, while ex-Moto GP team boss Davide Brivio is the new racing director.
Renault finished fifth last season but have been consistent midfield front-runners in recent years, and Alpine will be targeting 2021 improvement ahead of a big 2022 push with F1's new rules overhaul.
"This year our objective is clear, to continue the momentum that was garnered last year and fight for podiums," stated Rossi. "Our long-term vision is to see the Alpine name on the top step of the podium in Formula 1."
They say the new car, which still has a Renault engine, is an evolution of last year's Renault RS20 owing to the strict technical regulations, with the "structural elements" of that car carried over.
"However, we have developed and improved every part that has not been homologated, especially the back of the car" they added.
Alonso signed a two-year deal upon his return, while Ocon's contract expires at the end of this season.
