Alpine A521 is Fernando Alonso's title contender for 2021

Alpine F1 has just launched their 2021 car, and suffice it to say, it’s quite the looker.

While Alpine F1 may be a new name to the F1 grid, it's merely a makeover of what used to be the Renault F1 team. After all, Alpine is a sports car maker owned by Renault. Some might say the Alpine name doesn’t mean much. But to those familiar with the brand, it has a sporting pedigree as they used to compete in rallying back during the late 1960s. They even dabbled in Formula 1 in the late '70s.

The 2021 challenger is called the A521, and it features a very striking blue, white and red livery. According to the team, it not only pays homage to the French Tricolore but also the British Union Jack flag. That's because the team has two bases; in Viry (France) and Enstone (England).

Alpine’s A521 will continue to be powered by Renault engines of course, and the chassis is an evolved version of the R.S 2.0 (Renault’s 2020 chassis). Alpine says they’ve developed every other part not homologated by the 2021 regulations.

Apart from the change of name and overall look, the team also decided to shake up its personnel. Months before the reveal, Laurent Rossi replaced Cyril Abiteboul as the new head honcho. But the most notable change comes from the driver's side. Trying for a triumphant return is double drivers world champion Fernando Alonso who replaces Daniel Riccardo (Now at Mclaren). He will race alongside young gun Esteban Ocon who scored his maiden podium last year. Also bolstering the driver line-up is former AlphaTauri driver Daniil Kvyat taking up the reserve driver role.

Alpine F1 has a lot of eyes on them after they scored two podiums last season. One thing they have going for them is Fernando Alonso, widely regarded and known as one of the most demanding F1 drivers. Getting him to come back not only indicates the team's possible upward trajectory, but Alonso will no doubt push the team forward.