Formula 1 has just taken a step towards the technological future of its racing cars with a hydrogen-powered model. What seems to have come out of a science fiction film is real and is very close to not only being commercialized, but also appearing on the racetracks. Find out which is the team in F1 history to launch a hydrogen-powered car and what we can expect from this futuristic invention.
An old company, a new way of doing things
The automotive giant has decided to take a bold step towards technological innovation by announcing the launch of a 100% hydrogen-powered car, which will not only be sold, but will also race on Formula 1 tracks. That’s because the company behind this long-awaited launch is Renault, owner of the BTW Alpine Formula One Team, or simply Alpine.
Although the launch is not directly linked to Formula 1, the company has inherited a team with a long tradition and is highly respected in the sport. The current Alpine team is the former Lotus, one of the most competitive teams in Formula 1, which makes everyone even more excited after the news: the possibility of seeing a futuristic hydrogen-powered car hitting the tracks, something never seen before.
It was in 2021 that the former Lotus team, bought by Renault in 2016, underwent a reformulation and became Alpine; since then, it has been repositioning itself on the grid and reinforcing its new identity: a symbol of innovation and high performance of its cars. With drivers like Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, the team has achieved podiums and victories. Now, with the launch of the car of the future, Renault promised to dominate Formula 1 once again.
Alpine launches the future in the form of a car
Alpine wasn’t kidding when it said it would be the face of innovation and technology in Formula 1. Its launch is called Alpenglow HY6, a car unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Powered by hydrogen, the model has zero carbon emissions, which makes it an excellent option when it comes to sustainability. Its color was inspired by natural elements such as fire, water, ice, wind, and water vapor, which will make it the most elegant car on the racetrack.
The car has not only been officially launched, but even though it is still a concept car, Alpine has already indicated that it wants to incorporate this technology into all of its future models. The company’s idea is to combine the elements of its racing cars into a model that can exist in both scenarios: the racetracks and the garage of a house. This will be done uniquely on the market, combining speed, engine sound – essential features in F1 cars –, and respect for the environment in a single car.
The car is not yet used in official races, but it has undergone some tests with its hydrogen combustion engine. The most impressive thing about these tests is that no trace of CO2 is emitted; the only “smoke” that comes out of the car is water vapor, which is a great reference for the color of the car. Without a doubt, the Alpenglow was made to impress and leaves us eager to see the possibility of what the future of Formula 1 could be like with this technology.
Will we still see hydrogen-powered cars in Formula 1?
It’s a fact that we don’t have hydrogen cars in Formula 1 yet, and no one knows for sure when we will. But Alpine has already started on this journey with the Alpenglow, a hypercar that sends a clear signal: it may not be that far away for a technology like this, which combines power, beauty, and sustainability, to arrive in Formula 1.
