The departure from Renault of chief executive Luca de Meo changes nothing for the French carmaker's Alpine Formula One team, de facto principal Flavio Briatore told Reuters on Sunday. Renault announced Luca De Meo was leaving shortly after the newspaper Le Figaro reported he will take over the leadership of the luxury group Kering.

The CEO of Alpine F1 parent company the Renault Group announced a shock exit after just five years in the role

The Alpine Formula 1 team is set to announce that paddock veteran Steve Nielsen will become its new team manager. Nielsen, 60, has worked in F1 since 1986 having initially started as a truck driver for a Formula 1 catering firm. The Brit has held a number of roles with Lotus, Tyrrell, Honda and Arrows during his time in the series.