Aug.1 (GMM) Gerard Larrousse, a Formula 1 legend, thinks Renault might be clearing the path to withdraw from the sport altogether.
The management turmoil and shakeups at the French carmaker’s Alpine F1 team rolls on, as the successor for the now-departed boss Bruno Famin is named.
As expected, it is Oliver Oakes, who at just 36 years of age becomes the second-youngest team principal in Formula 1 history.
‘Oli’ Oakes, a former single seater racer who at 17 was karting world champion in 2005, has made his name as co-founder of the F2 and F3 outfit Hitech.
Not long ago, along with Andretti-Cadillac, Hitech even applied to become the 11th or 12th team on the grid, but is rumoured to have been rejected because of its links with Nikita Mazepin’s family and suspect Kazakhstani backing for its F1 bid.
Larrousse, now 84, ran Renault’s original works F1 team in the mid-80s, and told France’s Auto Hebdo this week that he could barely believe the marque was considering stopping its engine program at Viry.
“I thought it was fake news,” he told the magazine. “For me, it’s a terrible shock and a great sadness. We put together an extraordinary engine manufacturing team for Renault.
“I don’t see how you can race an Alpine with a Mercedes engine,” Larrousse added. “Those two don’t marry together. An Alpine is made to have a French engine. So I must admit that I don’t understand.
“Or perhaps I do understand that it is the beginning of an operation by Renault aimed at withdrawing completely from F1.”
Tobias Gruner, a correspondent for Auto Motor und Sport, agrees.
“Alpine has so far always denied that the team is for sale,” he wrote. “However, all the signs indicate that the team is being prepared for a takeover.”
Auto Hebdo journalist Jean-Michel Desnoues thinks new Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore is very much involved in the current sweeping decision-making.
“It only took one man – Flavio Briatore – to draw a line under half a century of history, demolishing an entire section of French automotive heritage,” he declared.
Pierre Gasly is signed up for 2025, and reports indicate that reserve and rookie Jack Doohan will almost certainly be his teammate next year in Esteban Ocon’s place – although Oakes is rumoured to be pushing for his own protege, Paul Aron.
Mick Schumacher is also in the running, but 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve doubts the 25-year-old German has a real chance.
Schumacher’s mother Corinna was in the Spa-Francorchamps paddock last weekend for a second ultra-rare F1 visit in recent months. Villeneuve said: “The push has been made by Mick and his people, but no one seems to be jumping to get him on their team.
“For teams, it’s worrisome. Do they want to take the risk of hoping Mick is better than he was? It doesn’t look like it at the moment,” the Canadian added.
Renowned as one of the most iconic and prestigious races in the world, the Monaco Grand Prix is the crown jewel of Formula 1. It’s also a part of the coveted Triple Crown of Motorsport, alongside the Indy 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Attending this thrilling event is a must for any motorsport enthusiast. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience this legendary race firsthand—sign up for your trip today!
SHOW PACKAGES
Guests of Grand Prix Tours can expect excellent hotel accommodations and a race experience they will never forget. The options for this race experience are extraordinary with trackside accommodation such as the Tower Terrace Suite or Gasoline Alley Suite, fully enclosed air-conditioned suites with closed circuit TVs as well as a private grandstand for outside viewing.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience the excitement of the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal with Grand Prix Tours. This race, one of the most anticipated events on the F1 calendar, is a must-see for every motorsport enthusiast. Montreal warmly welcomes Formula 1 teams and fans, offering a unique atmosphere unmatched by any other city. With a variety of activities throughout the city, the race weekend promises endless entertainment. Contact us today to secure your spot for this unforgettable experience!
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for an unforgettable journey to the 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit. England, the birthplace of modern Formula 1 and the unofficial home of the elite racing series, offers more than just a weekend of thrilling races. As our guest, you’ll enjoy an exclusive itinerary that includes visits to the British Motor Museum and the Silverstone Museum. Plus, on the Monday following the race, our package includes a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Factory team facilities. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience—contact us today to reserve your spot!
SHOW PACKAGES
Guests will spend a long summer weekend in the South of England experiencing an extravaganza of historic motor vehicles unlike any other motorsports event in the world. Hosted at the magnificent Goodwood House, scores of cars are flown in from across the world to participate in what is without doubt, the largest and most diverse event dedicated to motor vehicles.
SHOW PACKAGES