Alpine has announced significant changes to their leadership structure, with Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer and Sporting Director Alan Permane set to leave the team after the Belgian Grand Prix. The departures come as part of a mutual agreement between the team and the individuals involved.
Szafnauer, who has been with the team for the past 18 months, will fulfil his duties for the upcoming race at Spa-Francorchamps before officially departing ahead of the August summer break. Alpine expressed their appreciation for Szafnauer's hard work and leadership, which played a crucial role in the team's fourth-place finish in the 2022 Constructors' Championship. They also extended their best wishes for his future endeavours.
BREAKING: Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer and Sporting Director Alan Permane to depart Alpine following the Belgian Grand Prix#F1 pic.twitter.com/idRxwoAK93
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 28, 2023
Similarly, Permane will continue as Sporting Director for the Belgian Grand Prix before leaving the team. After an impressive 34-year tenure at Enstone, Alpine thanked Permane for his distinguished service and wished him success in his future endeavours.
In addition to Szafnauer and Permane, Pat Fry will also be leaving Alpine to pursue opportunities elsewhere in Formula 1. Williams subsequently confirmed that Fry would be joining their team as their Chief Technical Officer.
Welcoming Pat Fry as our new Chief Technical Officer! 🤝
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) July 28, 2023
Alpine has made several interim appointments within their leadership structure to fill the void left by these departures. Bruno Famin, Vice President of Alpine Motorsports, will assume the role of Interim Team Principal starting from the Dutch Grand Prix onwards. Famin brings a wealth of experience to the position and will be responsible for guiding the team through the remainder of the season.
Julian Rouse, the current Alpine Academy Director, has been named Interim Sporting Director. Rouse will work closely with Famin to ensure the smooth operation of the team's sporting activities. Additionally, Matt Harman will lead the technical team at Enstone, reporting directly to Famin.
These changes mark a significant shift in the leadership structure of the Alpine F1 Team. With the departure of Szafnauer, Permane, and Fry, the team will need to adapt quickly to ensure a seamless transition and maintain their competitive edge on the track.
As the Belgian Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Alpine to see how they perform in the face of these changes. The team will be eager to demonstrate their resilience and determination as they navigate this transitional period.
While the departures of Szafnauer, Permane, and Fry mark the end of an era for Alpine, they also signal the beginning of a new chapter for the team. With a refreshed leadership structure and a talented roster of drivers, the future looks promising for Alpine in Formula 1.
