After being unexpectedly and swiftly removed as Renault [aka Alpine] in January, F1 team principal, Cyril Abiteboul has reemerged with an advisory role for Mecachrome Motorsport activities.
Abiteboul led Renault‘s Formula 1 effort from 2014 to 2020 and looked set to lead the French team’s new Alpine era until the call, ending his duties with the team, came from Renault’s CEO Luca de Meo.
The new setup has installed Laurent Rossi as head of a multi-pronged leadership running the team, with Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon in the cockpits.
Christian Cornille, CEO of Mecachrome, confirmed Abiteboul’s appointment: “We are proud that Cyril can bring his support and his expertise in the sector to the teams of the group which since 1983, has supported prestigious brands within the biggest categories of motorsport: F1, F2, F3, endurance, rally.
“The Mecachrome group must understand the trends and opportunities in this sector and make them consistent with the Group’s objectives and the transformation underway in its other businesses.”
As for Abiteboul’s role, Cornille said the Frenchman would “propose strategic options for the medium-term development of the group’s activities in motorsport.”
Mecachrome has distinguished itself by supplying the turbo V6s for Formula 2 as well as the engine blocks for Formula 3.
On the Formula 1 side, Mecachrome provides Alpine F1 Team with a dedicated platform for the development and machining of cylinder heads, cylinder housings, distribution housings and cylinder head housings as well as the provision of assembly services for F1 engines.
Mecachrome in F1 dates back to 1998. After the official withdrawal of Renault, the engine manufacturer based in Amboise was displayed on the Williams and Benetton (under the name Playlife).
Renault engines assembled by Mechachrome powered the Red Bull team and Sebastian Vettel to F1 Constructors’ and Drivers’ titles in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
