Alpine has released images of its 2021 Formula One car painted in an interim livery as part of the brand’s relaunch.
The rebranded Renault F1 team will race under the Alpine name this year, although the images released on Thursday were of an concept livery that is due to change again ahead of the first race.
The black paintwork is a nod toward a prototype Renault-Alpine F1 car from 1976, known as the A500, and is likely to be replaced by a deep blue on the final livery of this year’s A521.
However, the stylised A on the rear of the car’s engine cover is expected to stay.
“Giving a powerful and specific identity to Formula One, but also to the entire Alpine motorsport programme, is an evidence and an opportunity,” Antony Villain, Alpine’s design director said. “With motorsport at the heart of our process, the graphic identity is key.
“The livery presented today is the first evocation of the Alpine F1 team’s new identity. Some of the structural graphic elements will remain on the racing livery while others will change.
“The ‘oversized’ Alpine emblem in a tricolour graphics system is the first clear-cut symbol of the brand’s identity in motorsport. The blue, white and red refer to the colours of the French and British flags, which is very important to us.
“Numerous variations on all the motorsport assets are still to come.”
Alpine is a sportscar brand owned by Renault. It currently produces one car, the A110, but has plans to develop an all-electric hot hatch, an all-electric sports crossover car and an all-electric replacement for the A110 sports car.
Renault is aiming for the sub-brand, which includes the running of the U.K.-based F1 team, to be profitable by 2025.
The Alpine brand was founded in 1955 by Jean Rédélé and the original A110 sports car enjoyed success in rallying in the 1960s.
Earlier this week, Renault announced its former F1 team principal Cyril Abiteboul had left the team and named Laurent Rossi as the new Alpine CEO.
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso will drive for Alpine this year alongside Esteban Ocon.