Renault CEO Luca de Meo has acknowledged the blunder that led to Fernando Alonso’s departure from Alpine in 2022, a misstep that inadvertently triggered a series of events culminating in Oscar Piastri’s move to McLaren. Alonso, returning to the team after a two-year hiatus, had established himself as a key asset to Alpine, securing their first podium in years at the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix. Despite his performance, the team’s reluctance to offer him a long-term contract due to concerns over his age, combined with their push to promote Piastri, caused tensions that ultimately backfired.
The strained negotiations with Alonso escalated when Sebastian Vettel’s retirement opened a seat at Aston Martin, a move Alonso quickly seized, leaving Alpine in shock. De Meo admitted that the team mishandled the situation, noting, “It was our mistake. Maybe we didn’t treat him the way we should have, but we still have a very good relationship.” This comment highlights the complexity of the situation, with both sides acknowledging the unfortunate turn of events.
In the wake of Alonso’s departure, Alpine’s attempt to replace him with Piastri quickly spiraled into controversy. The Australian driver, initially announced as Alonso’s successor, publicly denied any such agreement, revealing that he had already signed with McLaren. A legal battle ensued, with the FIA’s Contract Recognition Board ultimately ruling in McLaren’s favor, leaving Alpine to bear the costs of the dispute. This sequence of missteps further tarnished Alpine’s reputation and exposed significant gaps in their internal operations.
Behind the scenes, Alpine’s internal structure was reportedly under strain, with the team’s legal department lacking sufficient support, leading to delays and poor communication. These issues, coupled with Piastri’s decision to leave, showcased a lack of foresight and professionalism, which frustrated both Alonso and Piastri. Ultimately, both drivers found success elsewhere, with Alonso continuing to compete at the top level with Aston Martin and Piastri flourishing at McLaren.
De Meo, while expressing respect for Alonso’s tenacity and career, acknowledged the consequences of the team’s failures. As Alpine struggles near the bottom of the Constructors’ standings, the repercussions of their botched management in 2022 continue to reverberate through the paddock, leaving the team with much to reflect on.