Eni replaces BP and Castrol at Alpine and makes its return to F1
Eni makes its big return to Formula 1 after more than twenty years of absence by partnering with Alpine as the Official Energy and Fuel Partner. The Renault group will also be involved by teaming up with Eni to develop biofuels for auto racing. Flavio Briatore had already signed with this Italian brand 20 years ago at Benetton.
While Audi had announced the arrival of BP and Castrol as technical partners from 2026, and its entry into F1, it was highly likely that the group, which had sponsored Renault for many years, and then Alpine, would leave the French team.
It is now official that Renault Group and Alpine have announced a strategic partnership, not just in F1, with ENI as a supplier of fuels for competition, likely in F1 and eventually in endurance racing, as well as oils.
The two brands had already collaborated in F1 over 20 years ago when Enstone was under the Benetton banner and managed by an Italian: Flavio Briatore. The Ente nazionale idrocarburi (ENI) is an Italian oil company. Currently the 5th largest oil group in the world, the company had not been in F1 since then, but the presence of Briatore, back at the helm of Alpine since the end of last season, is probably no coincidence.
« BWT Alpine Formula One Team and Eni are delighted to announce Eni’s return to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship as the Official Energy and Fuel Partner of the team, through a multi-year agreement. » explains the press release. « This announcement marks Eni’s return to a team affiliated with Enstone, with the brand last being involved in Formula 1 with Benetton in 2000. The team will collaborate with Eni to activate the Enilive brand at certain races throughout the 24 Grand Prix season. »
« I am very enthusiastic about this partnership with Eni, both in Formula 1 and to explore new opportunities in shared and efficient mobility. » explains Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group. « Together, we have the potential to push boundaries. »
One of the objectives of ENI’s return will be to develop high-performance biofuels, as other oil groups already partnering with F1 teams do, such as Petronas with Mercedes or Aramco with Aston Martin.
Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, added: « Today, we have signed an important agreement that allows Eni and Renault Group to combine their industrial status and technological leadership in their respective sectors to open new avenues of development in fundamental areas for sustainable transport. The introduction of biofuel testing via BWT Alpine Formula One Team is equally essential, as it reflects the continuous pursuit of absolute technological excellence in engine development and performance in Formula 1. »
A major sponsor for 2025
While Alpine has lost several sponsors in recent years, F1 remains attractive and allows the team to reconnect with former brands. The ENI logos will of course be visible on the car, named A525 this season, but also on the drivers’ suits and their helmets.
Flavio Briatore, officially the executive advisor of the team after Bruno Famin’s ousting in the middle of last season during the Belgian Grand Prix, is not a stranger to the signing of this major sponsor, which therefore replaces the BP oil group and Castrol oils.
« It is with immense pride that we welcome Eni back to Formula 1 with Alpine. Eni has played a major role in our history and has also been an important partner in Formula 1 in the past. We share common goals, particularly regarding energy efficiency, sustainability, and future biofuels. Seeing them return to this adventure with us is excellent news, and we look forward to achieving great things together, on and off the tracks. » explained Flavio Briatore in a press release.
