In a surprise announcement, Alpine F1 Team has announced that team principal Otmar Szafnauer will leave the team after the Belgium GP.
[adrotate banner=”10″]
Get 10% off all official F1 Merch at TheRaceWorks.com using code ‘EF1‘ at checkout.
Alpine F1 Team has made more changes following Laurent Rossi’s move earlier in the year.
Today the team announced a raft of changes that include the decision to release both team principal Otmar Szafnauer and Sporting Director Alan Permane.
Boardroom Casualty?
The decision to remove Szafnauer and Permain must be in part due to a larger restructure within Renault’s racing decision, Alpine.
Earlier this month it was confirmed that Laurent Rossi has been removed from his position as Alpine CEO, 2 and a half years after assuming the role. The outspoken former boss of Alpine described Alpine’s performance at the Azerbaijan GP as “amateurish innan interview not before he was removed.
[adrotate banner=”10″]
Get 10% off all official F1 Merch at TheRaceWorks.com using code ‘EF1‘ at checkout.
Just a week or so from Rossi’s departure Alpine has continued with the changes, notably removing Szafnauer and Permane.
Alpine F1 Team having a poor 2023
Another factor in Alpine’s decision will be the lack of progress within the Alpine F1 project. Alpine has seemingly slipped behind Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren added to a pretty inconsistent season operationally, it would be inevitable that changes were on there way.
Pat Fry off to Williams
Prior to Alpine’s announcement, Williams announced that Pat Fry will be joining the team as Chief Technical Officer from the 1st November. Fry, who has been in the Formula 1 paddock from 1987 has worked for several teams including McLaren and Ferrari is very highly regarded within the Formula 1 community and will bring valuable experience and expertise to Williams.
On behalf of all at Williams Racing, I’m delighted to be welcoming Pat. His knowledge and experience will further strengthen the team’s technical capabilities and pursuit of excellence as we build the next chapter of Williams. Pat has been a core part of winning teams throughout his career, he is one of the most respected experts in our industry and I’m excited to begin work with him when he joins in November.”
James Vowles, Team Principal, Williams Racing:
Iam thrilled to be joining Williams Racing as Chief Technical Officer. The team has a rich heritage in Formula 1, and I am excited to contribute to its future success. I believe in the team’s potential and, together, we will strive for excellence on and off the track.
Pat Fry, Chief Technical Officer, Williams Racing
Alpine F1 Team