The Alpine Formula 1 team surprised everyone by unveiling a unique livery for the United States Grand Prix, designed in collaboration with global football star Neymar. The announcement was made in Austin, on the eve of race weekend, at a promotional event that brought together the drivers, team management, and the renowned Brazilian striker, currently under contract with Santos.
This unexpected partnership between a motorsport giant and a football icon illustrates Alpine’s desire to expand its influence beyond the racetrack and reach a wider audience. Neymar, known for his passion for sports cars and his affinity for Formula 1, actively participated in the design process, adding his personal touch to this original project. “Being part of such a unique project is an honor. I’ve always been a huge fan of Formula 1 and Alpine. Seeing my name associated with such a spectacular livery is an incredible experience,” Neymar reportedly said at the presentation. The event was followed by thousands of fans online, confirming the media impact of this collaboration.
The new livery is distinguished by the striking presence of the iconic yellow of the Argentinian company Mercado Libre, Alpine’s main partner for this series of races in the Americas. This vibrant hue contrasts beautifully with the traditional blue and black shades of the A525 chassis, creating a striking visual effect. The Latin American sponsor, a major player in e-commerce, sought to establish its presence in the international market by partnering with such a prestigious event as Formula 1. Its logo will be prominently displayed on the Alpine cars at the next three Grands Prix: Austin (USA), Mexico City (Mexico), and São Paulo (Brazil).
These three races, all held in the Americas, represent a strategic opportunity for both the brand and the team. Alpine intends to capitalize on this visibility to strengthen its brand awareness in new markets, particularly in Latin America, where motorsport is generating increasing enthusiasm.
The design also incorporates subtle details reminiscent of South American culture: dynamic lines inspired by the Brazilian and Argentinian flags, as well as a redesigned typography to emphasize the project’s energy and modernity. The result is a successful blend of innovation, sportiness, and cultural identity.
According to an official statement from Alpine, this collaboration reflects the “spirit of passion, diversity, and creativity” that the team wishes to embody in its new era. The addition of Neymar to this adventure is not insignificant: he symbolizes the link between performance, glamour, and emotion, three values shared by Formula 1 and football. The choice of Neymar as ambassador for this campaign is no accident. The Brazilian footballer, followed by hundreds of millions of fans on social media, represents considerable media power. By associating its image with the Alpine brand, the team gains global exposure that extends beyond the purely sporting realm. Alpine CEO Philippe Krief stated: “We want our team to be more than just a racing team. We want to create a comprehensive experience that unites fans from different backgrounds. Neymar perfectly embodies this vision, combining passion and performance.”
This special livery is more than just a stylistic exercise. It marks a step in Alpine’s transformation into a global brand, capable of merging sport, design, and popular culture. By focusing on unprecedented collaborations, the team aims to attract a younger audience and strengthen its commercial appeal to major international brands.
The team, owned by the Renault Group, has already been pursuing this strategy for several seasons. With innovative visual campaigns, artistic partnerships, and an increased presence on social media, Alpine is striving to modernize its image in an increasingly competitive environment. The presence of Neymar, a global star from a country passionate about motorsport, fits perfectly into this strategy. Brazil, which will host the last of the three races involved, promises a triumphant welcome for the car sporting the footballer’s colors. The organizers of the São Paulo Grand Prix are even planning a special moment during the weekend, where Neymar could join the team in the paddock to celebrate the collaboration in front of the fans.
