Of course, no one yet knows what the 2021 Formula 1 season, which kicks off this Sunday in Bahrain, has in store.
Unless surprised, the Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton will still be ahead, unless Max Verstappen and his Red Bull decide otherwise.
One thing is certain: Alpine will not play the title.
Even with the reinforcement of Fernando Alonso (who will be accompanied by Esteban Ocon), the French brand, based in Viry-Châtillon (Essonne) and which belongs to Renault, intends to play a year of transition before playing the podiums in 2022.
If the new A521 has not yet proven itself on the track, it nevertheless stands out from its rivals by its aesthetics.
The logo, which has also been changed very little since the creation of Alpine by Jean Rédélé in 1955, is already a reference.
Like this royal blue that has been the dream of fans of the brand since the early 1960s when the A 110, the famous “berlinetta”, world rally champion in 1973, was released. Before being officially unveiled on March 2, the car sported a black color, in homage to the Alpine A500 F1 prototype of 1975 and its turbo engine which marked the beginning of the Renault adventure in Formula 1.
In the colors of France
For the older ones, the blend of blue, white and red recalls the Vaillantes from the comic strip by the late Jean Graton.
The gradient (in the same order) on the rear obviously corresponds to the tricolor (and the British Union Jack, the chassis being developed and assembled in Enstone in England), which can also be found on the front wing. .
The best way to be clearly identified and to be supported by the entire population.
With yellow and black, its traditional colors, Renault was primarily aimed at its supporters.
There, Alpine extends its audience to France.
Well well well ... What have we got our hands on today ...!
# A521Launch pic.twitter.com/28U6q09zoO
- Alpine F1 Team (@ AlpineF1Team) March 3, 2021
“Alpine is a beautiful brand, powerful and vibrant, which puts a smile on the faces of its followers,” explains Luca De Meo, CEO of Groupe Renault.
By launching Alpine, a symbol of French excellence, in the most prestigious of world automotive disciplines, we are continuing the manufacturers' adventure in a renewed sport.
We also bring a dream brand alongside the biggest names, for spectacular car races made and watched by enthusiasts.
Alpine will finally bring its values to the Formula 1 paddock: elegance, ingenuity, and daring.
"
Aston Martin in English Green
While the vast majority of teams, such as Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari, haven't made big visual changes, another has played the novelty card.
Like Alpine, Aston Martin (with Sebastian Vettel on board) stands out for its national membership.
The Aston Martin AMR21 will compete in the 2021 championship. Dominic Fraser
Forget the horrible candy pink marshmallow trend of Racing Point and Force India, taken over by the manufacturer of James Bond.
Make way for a sublime English green (the famous “British Racing Green”), the legendary color of the most prestigious manufacturers across the Channel.
This is also only the third time that this color has been used in F1, after Jaguar (2000 to 2004) and Caterham (2010 to 2014).
