Alpine’s decision to give up its factory team status and become a Mercedes engine customer by 2026 has raised eyebrows in the Formula 1 paddock.

Building and developing your own engine is expensive, even with the budget cap, but it’s also key to competing at the top level. Switching to a customer team model has led some to question whether Renault, Alpine’s parent company, is truly committed to staying long-term in F1.

There have been big changes at Alpine this year. Flavio Briatore, brought in as an advisor in June, has cut staff to streamline operations. In August, Oliver Oakes took over as the youngest team principal in the sport.

Despite the positives out of that, rumours of a possible sale of the team have swirled around recently. However, Oakes has quickly denied that Renault CEO Luca De Meo is looking to sell Alpine.

“I know everybody likes to write that he [De Meo] wants to sell the team, which isn’t true. He’s always been very firm that he’s in F1 for the long term,” he said.

“You can see really how passionate he is about this project. I’m grateful to have him.”

Since taking over, Oakes has focused on turning Alpine’s fortunes around after a tough season. The team’s double podium at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix was a bright spot, lifting them out of ninth to sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship.

Oakes has also been vocal about his commitment to the team. He believes in the potential of the Enstone squad, one of F1’s most historic teams, and has praised the passion and dedication of its workforce.

“There’s something special about Enstone, isn’t there? And Viry,” he said.

“You can see it today. It means a lot to all of them. And it is everyone’s the… It’s all the same people.

“I think sometimes racing is like that as well. They just need to work together. A little bit of wind in the sails, a bit of stability. That’s what’s special.”

However, after years of financial struggles and underperformance, Alpine still faces a long road to return to the top. While the team's leadership has reassured staff that there are no plans to sell, reports from The Race suggest Renault might consider offers, which only fuels doubts. For now, they’ll need stability and a clear plan to show they’re serious about competing in Formula 1.