Alpine enter ‘historic collaboration’ with Eni to test new biofuels and explore wider energy solutions

Alpine have announced a reunion with Eni ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, as the Italian company become the team’s Official Energy and Fuel Partner under a multi-year deal.

Eni sponsored one of the Enstone-based operation’s previous guises back in 2000, when they teamed up with Benetton, who morphed into a factory Renault effort and, via various other monikers, now compete as Alpine.

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Eni will activate their Enilive brand at select races throughout the 24-round campaign, with branding to be visible on Alpine’s 2025 challenger, the A525, as well as the race overalls and helmets of their drivers.

The arrangement will extend to Alpine’s pit-stop crew and beyond, including “a future collaboration aimed at assessing and analysing innovations in fuel technologies and the development of bio-gasoline for racing at the pinnacle of motorsport”.

Meanwhile, Eni and Renault Group, who own the Alpine sportscar brand, will aim to identify and develop opportunities to work together in the decarbonisation of the transport sector.

“The beauty of automotive is that it’s a team sport,” said Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo. “This has never been more true, as we have to reinvent mobility.

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“When it comes to developing innovative solutions, nothing can beat the combined expertise and skills of great companies. That’s why I’m so thrilled about this partnership we are striking with Eni, in F1 and also to explore new opportunities for shared and efficient mobility.

“Together, we have the potential to push boundaries.”

Claudio Descalzi, Chief Executive Officer of Eni, commented: “Today we have signed a significant agreement allowing Eni and Renault Group to combine the industrial standing and technological leadership that the two companies represent in their respective sectors with the aim of opening new paths of development in areas fundamental to sustainable transport.

“The introduction of bio-gasoline testing through BWT Alpine Formula One Team is equally important as it reflects F1’s continuous pursuit of absolute technological excellence in engine development and performance.”

Flavio Briatore, Executive Advisor at Alpine’s F1 team, added: “It is with immense pride that we welcome Eni back to Formula 1 with BWT Alpine Formula One Team. Eni formed a great part of our history at this team and has also, in the past, been an important partner in Formula 1.

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“We share common goals and objectives, especially in regard to energy efficiency, sustainability, and future bio-gasoline products. To have them back on board at BWT Alpine Formula One Team is great and we look forward to doing many exciting things together in future both on and off the track.”

From the 2026 season, when all-new regulations are introduced, the fuel used in every F1 car will be fully sustainable – the ‘drop-in’ nature also meaning it can be exploited by almost any internal combustion engined vehicle around the world.