Flavio Briatore, a prominent figure and executive advisor within the Alpine Formula 1 organization, has publicly stated that the recent leadership transition at the parent company, Renault Group, will have no bearing on the future direction or commitment to the Alpine F1 team. This declaration comes amidst a season of struggles for the Enstone-based outfit, which has yet to secure a championship victory since 2006, and recently announced a shift away from developing its own power units for the 2026 technical regulations, opting instead to become a Mercedes customer.
The change at the helm of Renault Group saw Francois Provost assume the role of CEO in July, succeeding Luca de Meo, who had been in the position since 2020. Briatore, who famously guided Renault to Formula 1 championships in 2005 and 2006, expressed confidence in the new CEO's dedication to the Formula 1 program. He noted that despite Alpine's current standing at the bottom of the 2025 constructor standings after 14 races, the overarching commitment from Renault remains strong.
Briatore elaborated on the company's perspective, stating, \"The new CEO is very enthusiastic about the Formula 1 programme.\" He further added, \"Renault wants to stay in Formula 1.\" He anticipates Provost's presence at the upcoming Monza race, underscoring the consistent support from the top echelons of the Renault Group. According to Briatore, the chairman, Jean-Dominique Senard, is also fully behind the Formula 1 endeavor. He acknowledged the team's need for improved results in the coming year, particularly after a \"very complicated\" 2025 season.
He pinpointed some of the current season's challenges, including the difficulty in interpreting new regulations and a significant power deficit with their engine. Briatore hopes that the team can put the current season behind them and look forward to a more successful 2026. He reiterated that within the Renault Group, there is a collective sense of contentment and no underlying issues that would derail their Formula 1 ambitions, reinforcing his belief that \"Everybody’s happy.\"
Further changes within Alpine's operational structure complement this continuity in vision. Steve Nielsen, a veteran of the Formula 1 paddock, is set to rejoin the team as managing director. Nielsen previously served as Renault's sporting director during their championship-winning years of 2005-2006. His appointment follows the departure of team principal Oliver Oakes in May. Briatore expressed his satisfaction with Nielsen's return, highlighting his extensive knowledge of the system, his ability to coordinate the team from top to bottom, and his understanding of the personnel. He emphasized that Nielsen's role as managing director will encompass comprehensive oversight of the team's operations. Nielsen is expected to commence his duties with the upcoming race in Monza, signaling a renewed focus on organizational strength and operational excellence for Alpine.
Rivian is on the verge of integrating Apple Car Key technology into its advanced R1T and R1S models, ushering in a new era of digital convenience for its customers. This impending update signifies a major step in the ongoing evolution of automotive technology, where smartphones are increasingly becoming central to vehicle access and operation. The move by Rivian underlines a broader industry trend towards embracing integrated digital solutions that streamline the user experience, offering enhanced functionality and a seamless connection between personal devices and vehicles. As more automakers adopt such innovations, the traditional car key is gradually being superseded by more sophisticated and versatile digital counterparts.
The introduction of Apple Car Key functionality by Rivian not only elevates the technological prowess of its vehicles but also significantly enhances the daily lives of its owners. This feature allows for the secure and convenient use of an iPhone or Apple Watch as a fully functional car key, providing capabilities such as locking, unlocking, and starting the vehicle with a simple tap or even from a distance. The integration leverages Apple's robust security protocols, including the Secure Enclave cryptoprocessor, ensuring that digital keys are protected with the highest level of encryption. This seamless integration of personal technology with vehicle operation represents a significant leap forward in smart mobility solutions, promising greater flexibility and ease of use for the modern driver.
Seamless Connectivity: Rivian Embraces Digital Key Technology
Rivian is poised to introduce Apple Car Key functionality to its second-generation R1T and R1S models, allowing owners to utilize their iPhone or Apple Watch as a digital vehicle key. This integration promises a new level of convenience, enabling users to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles with their smart devices. The underlying technology relies on NFC capabilities, mirroring the functionality of traditional key fobs, while also supporting Apple's Express Mode for hands-free operation. This development marks a significant advancement in automotive technology, simplifying vehicle access and offering enhanced security features inherent to Apple's ecosystem.
The eagerly awaited support for Apple Car Key in Rivian's electric trucks and SUVs signifies a major milestone for both the automaker and its clientele. This feature, which leverages the robust security of Apple's Wallet app, has seen its backend infrastructure enabled by Apple. Rivian has confirmed that the official rollout for owners of second-generation R1 vehicles is imminent, set to be delivered through an over-the-air software update. This progressive step not only aligns Rivian with a growing list of premium automotive brands adopting Apple's digital key technology but also underscores the company's commitment to delivering cutting-edge, user-centric innovations that simplify and enrich the ownership experience, allowing for seamless vehicle interaction directly from a personal smart device.
Expanding Digital Horizons: Apple Car Key's Growing Adoption
The upcoming activation of Apple Car Key by Rivian underscores a wider industry trend towards the adoption of digital key solutions. Since its announcement in 2020, Apple Car Key has garnered support from 33 automotive manufacturers globally, reflecting a growing recognition of the convenience and security benefits offered by this technology. This widespread adoption signals a paradigm shift in how vehicles are accessed and controlled, moving towards a more integrated and digital future where smartphones serve as primary interfaces for automotive functions.
Apple Car Key's expanding presence across numerous automotive brands highlights its appeal as a versatile and secure solution for modern vehicle access. From luxury marques like Audi and BMW to electric vehicle innovators such as Polestar, a diverse range of automakers are integrating this feature into their lineups. This broad embrace demonstrates the industry's commitment to enhancing user convenience and leveraging advanced mobile technology. Rivian's forthcoming implementation for its R1T and R1S models reinforces this trend, showcasing the increasing interdependence between personal electronics and automotive systems. As this technology matures, it is expected to become a standard offering, potentially extending to future models like the Rivian R2, further solidifying the role of digital keys in the automotive landscape.
Hyundai is poised to introduce a groundbreaking electric vehicle, with initial glimpses revealing a truly innovative design that hints at a significant evolution in its EV lineup. This forthcoming model, whose official designation is still a subject of speculation between IONIQ 2 and IONIQ 3, is expected to capture global attention at its premiere next month.
This innovative electric car from Hyundai signifies the brand's commitment to advancing sustainable mobility, blending cutting-edge design with robust engineering. Its strategic market positioning and anticipated features suggest a strong contender in the rapidly expanding EV sector. The vehicle is poised to enhance the driving experience with its sophisticated infotainment system, promising seamless connectivity and intuitive control, further solidifying Hyundai's reputation as a leader in automotive innovation.
A Glimpse into Hyundai's Next-Gen EV
Hyundai has unveiled the first official images of its new electric vehicle, offering a sneak peek into what promises to be a visually arresting addition to its EV portfolio. Set to debut at the upcoming Munich Motor Show, this model has generated considerable buzz, with speculation swirling around whether it will be christened the IONIQ 2 or IONIQ 3. Early visuals indicate a radical aesthetic, showcasing design elements that are both fresh and forward-thinking. Notably, the rear spoiler appears to echo the sleek contours of the updated IONIQ 6, suggesting the integration of a distinctive full-length LED light bar that will undoubtedly enhance its road presence.
The teaser images highlight Hyundai's daring approach to EV design, moving beyond conventional aesthetics to carve out a unique identity for its new offering. The decision to reveal these initial glimpses ahead of its official debut underscores the manufacturer's confidence in the vehicle's capacity to disrupt the market. With prototypes having already been spotted undergoing rigorous testing, the anticipation for this model is palpable. Its design, characterized by an upright, SUV-like stance, draws comparisons to the innovative Kia EV2 concept, hinting at a practical yet stylish form factor. This blend of radical design and functional utility positions the vehicle as a compelling option for consumers seeking both innovation and versatility in their next electric car.
Advanced Platform and Market Positioning
The upcoming Hyundai EV is engineered on the versatile E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), a foundation shared with other successful IONIQ models and Kia's EV series. This strategic choice underscores Hyundai's commitment to leveraging a proven, scalable architecture that supports a wide range of electric vehicles. Positioned to slot between the popular Inster EV and Kona Electric in Hyundai's burgeoning electric car lineup, this new model is expected to be competitively priced, potentially around \u00a325,000, aligning it closely with the affordability of the Kia EV2. This pricing strategy aims to make advanced electric mobility more accessible to a broader consumer base, enhancing Hyundai's market share in the budget-friendly EV segment.
Beyond its robust platform and strategic pricing, the vehicle is anticipated to feature significant advancements in its interior technology. A highlight is the new infotainment system, powered by the cutting-edge Pleos OS, designed to offer a user experience akin to that of a smartphone. This integration of smart technology promises enhanced connectivity and intuitive controls, setting a new standard for in-car digital ecosystems. While specific details regarding range and final specifications are still under wraps, the new EV is expected to offer battery pack options similar to the Kia EV3, potentially including 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh variants, providing a WLTP range of up to 365 miles on a single charge. This blend of innovative design, advanced technology, and competitive positioning makes Hyundai's latest electric offering a highly anticipated arrival in the global EV market.