More change at Alpine F1 as De Meo quits as Renault Group CEO

Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo has announced a shock departure from his role at the Alpine Formula 1 team’s parent company.

On Sunday, Renault released a statement saying the 58-year-old Italian had decided to step down from his role “to pursue new challenges”.

The Renault board accepted his resignation, which after a 30-day notice will come into effect on 15 July. De Meo will remain in his role until then as the board identifies a successor.

“There comes a time in one’s life when one knows the job is done,” De Meo was quoted as saying.

“Today, the results speak for themselves: they are the best in our history. We have a strong team and an agile organisation. We also have a strategic plan ready for the next generation of products.

“That is why I have decided it is time for me to hand over the baton. I am leaving a transformed company, poised for the future, to apply my experience to other sectors and embark on new adventures.”

As the Renault Group CEO, De Meo played an instrumental role in the strategic direction of its works F1 team.

Shortly after coming on board in July 2020, the Renault F1 team was rebranded as Alpine, the company’s sports car brand.

De Meo then went through a number of team principals and CEOs as Alpine struggled to maintain its fourth place in the 2022 constructors’ title and finished sixth in subsequent seasons.

He was also key behind the decision to abandon the squad’s works engine programme in Viry-Chatillon for 2026 – Mercedes will power Alpine F1 cars next season – while bringing on board fellow Italian Flavio Briatore as executive advisor last year.

After previous team principal Oliver Oakes’ departure last month, it is expected former F1 and FIA man Steve Nielsen will return to the squad, having worked under Briatore as far back as the Benetton days.