Luca de Meo leaves Renault after five years. His exit sparks fresh questions over Alpine F1’s future, management, and long-term stability.
A thunderbolt struck in the middle of the Canadian Grand Prix race!
After five years at the helm of Renault Group, Luca de Meo has announced his decision to step down in order to pursue new challenges outside the automotive industry.
This is, of course, a major development in the world of Formula 1, as De Meo has been the driving force behind maintaining Renault’s presence — and later Alpine’s — in the sport, despite internal pressures to withdraw.
It was also De Meo who made the decision to bring Flavio Briatore back to Enstone, and the consequences of his departure could be numerous in the coming months, including a potential sale of the team, which continues to be the subject of paddock rumors.
“There comes a time in life when you know the job is done. At Renault Group, we have overcome immense challenges — and in less than five years! We achieved what many thought impossible. Today, the results speak for themselves: the best in our history. A strong team. An agile organization. And a strategic plan ready to deliver the next generation of products. That is why I have decided it is time to hand over the reins. I leave a transformed company, one that looks to the future, so I can bring my experience to other industries and pursue new adventures,” said Luca de Meo.
“Leading Renault Group has been a privilege. A human and industrial adventure that comes only once in a lifetime. For that, I will always be grateful to the men and women of this company — the ‘Renaulutionaries’ — for their passion, commitment, and belief… They are the true driving force. I would also like to thank Jean-Dominique Senard for choosing me several years ago, for his support and trust, as well as the Board of Directors for believing in our vision. And the best is yet to come.”
While awaiting further information, the Board of Directors, convened by Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard, has expressed its thanks to Luca de Meo for the turnaround and transformation of Renault Group, and has accepted that his departure will take effect on July 15, 2025. Until then, Luca de Meo will continue to fulfill his duties.
The Board has initiated the process of appointing a new CEO, based on the succession plan already in place.
The Board has expressed its confidence in the quality and experience of the leadership team to continue and accelerate Renault Group’s transformation strategy in this new phase.
“For five years, Luca de Meo has worked to restore Renault Group to where it belongs. Under his leadership, our company regained solid foundations, now boasts a remarkable product line, and has returned to growth. In addition to being an exceptional industry leader, Luca de Meo is also a creative, committed, passionate, and inspiring individual. Today, the entire company joins me in thanking him for these years and for all the challenges we have successfully overcome together. Personally, I will always remember the quality of our relationship throughout this adventure, which will remain unforgettable. This also gives me the opportunity to warmly thank all the Group’s employees who worked alongside us to restore this iconic company we are so proud of,” said Jean-Dominique Senard.
