Luca de Meo, Renault's CEO, has firmly dismissed suggestions that the French automaker is gearing up to divest its Formula 1 team.

Although Flavio Briatore, the team's new advisor, asserts he's working to elevate the Enstone-based squad back to Formula 1's forefront, some interpret recent financial adjustments and the looming shift from in-house power units as evidence that Alpine is being positioned for a potential sale.

"I am often asked by the press if we want to sell, but we have never wanted to," de Meo, who joined Briatore at the unveiling of the 2025 car, told AS newspaper.

Several specialist outlets have reported that Alpine has largely reused its 2024 chassis for the upcoming season, with only minor tweaks to aerodynamics and bodywork.

De Meo, however, maintains that Alpine is focused on progress in 2025 and laying a strong groundwork for the regulatory overhaul in 2026.

"I want it to work, also on the financial side, which is why we made changes such as separating the power unit," he said, alluding to the switch to Mercedes customer engines starting next year.

"Now the numbers are acceptable for Renault and we don't have a money problem, as we did four years ago. Back then we were losing 40 million a day and I had to find a way to justify F1. We did it with Alpine to develop a new range of cars.

"But now my job is different - I have to bring together the right people to improve."

De Meo argues that whether Alpine ends each year in the black or red is of secondary importance.

"If you calculate the value of the Alpine brand compared to four years ago, it has tripled," he said. "F1 is a great boost to position a brand and it has been a great investment, without a doubt."

Regarding the team's annual financial balance, he elaborated: "It depends on the benefits, because part of the financial result is in the prize money.

"But it is not unlikely that we will make it work and even if you have some loss you can always assume it as a marketing investment."

In this vein, he even posits that securing victories in Formula 1 isn't essential for brands like Renault or Alpine.

"You just have to be there," said the Italian. "This is the pinnacle of motorsport and you have to compete with Aston Martin, Ferrari, Mercedes, as well as the other names. It is the best for us."

De Meo also endorses Formula 1's shift toward appealing to a younger, broader audience rather than focusing solely on traditional enthusiasts.

"A brand that doesn't speak to young people will be dead in 20 years, because one day they will be your customers," he said. "I like that Formula 1 has a younger audience and that it goes beyond the niche of car enthusiasts.

"That makes the business much more interesting, you reach more people and it's good for the sport."