Photo Credit: Alpine Media Library
Alpine Operations Director Rob White has been fired from the Enstone team after 20 years of service. White played a pivotal role in helping them win the championship with Renault in 2005/2006.
Before working with Renault, then Alpine, Rob White worked for Cosworth’s F1 engine project. He then worked as a deputy managing director of engines for Renault’s powertrain section in Viry-Chatillon before moving to the head of operations for Alpine in 2016.
Working with the team for 2 decades, through rebrands and organisational changes, White holds invaluable expertise and is seemingly being let go following the signing of John Woods. Woods stepped into the role of chief operating officer in February after working for Lotus and McLaren road company divisions.
This is a continuation of the many personnel changes seen in the last year by Alpine, following a downturn in performance over the 2023 and 2024 season.
Changes that began with former-team principal Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane being let go in July 2023. However, that wasn’t the end for Alpine’s restructuring and personnel changes. It was announced soon after that Pat Fry, the Alpine chief technical officer, was also leaving to go to Williams.
Following the first race of 2024, both Matt Harman, technical director, and Dirk De Beer, head of aerodynamics, departed from their roles. Leading the new team principal Bruno Famin to announce a shift in direction.
Restructuring to a three pillar system
This system involves having three technical directors instead of one. One for Aerodynamics, Performance and Engineering. It is inspired by McLaren’s organisational structure.
The statement released about Rob White’s departure stated, “As part of the team’s wider operational restructure, we can confirm the departure of Rob White.”
“The team is thankful for Rob’s efforts during his long career both at Enstone and at Viry-Chatillon, where he led the championship-winning engine project in 2005 and 2006. We wish him the best in his future endeavours.”
Only 2 points in 8 races
Despite these changes, Alpine has still struggled. Esteban Ocon gained one point in Miami and Pierre Gasly gained one in Monaco after narrowly avoiding a double DNF. Compared to last year, where they gained 21 points in Monaco alone and where Ocon was on the podium. It has been a tough start for the Enstone team.
Despite the loss of staff, they have managed to attract noteworthy individuals. People like David Sanchez from McLaren, David Wheater, and now John Woods. As well as rumours of Flavio Biartore returning. The impact of these appointments on Alpine’s performance is still unclear.
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