Former Alfa Romeo technical director Jan Monchaux has joined the FIA as its new single-seater technical director, according to Autosport.
The Franco-German will replace Tim Goss who departed for Red Bull at the end of the last year.
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Monchaux will report directly to the FIA’s single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis, who has been with the organisation since 2018.
He will play a key role in the future of the sport which is set for a rules shake up inn 2026.
Tombazis said he is “excited to welcome Jan to the FIA to fulfil an important role in the technical department, and in framing the future regulations of the sport. “
“I am very happy to be joining the FIA as technical director and look forward to the fresh challenges this role entails,” Monchaux told Autosport after his appointment.
“I have worked on the Competitors’ side for many years, but now the opportunity to help shape the future of the Sport with the governing body is a prospect I relish.”
Monchaux started his F1 career in 2002 with Toyota serving an an aerodynamics leader until their departure from the sport.
He rose through the ranks at several teams including Ferrari’s aerodynamics department where he remained until 2012.
After a period away from F1 with Audi he took over from Simone Resta at Sauber in 2019.
That came to an end when James Key joined the team in 2023 following poor season for the Hinwil-based team.
Instability at the top
The FIA has lost several key figures over the winter period heading into the new season.
Sporting director Steve Nielsen was replaced earlier this year with former safety director, Tim Malyon.
The move left Mercedes boss Toto Wolff feeling “concerned” about the instability plaguing the FIA.
“Losing Steve Nielsen is a big blow. I couldn’t think of a more knowledgeable and fair sporting director.” said Wolff.
“As a leader, it’s about the culture and environment you create for people to thrive. When people as competent as these leave an organisation, there is a vacuum. That’s clear.”
It left him, and perhaps other bosses, wondering if there is a deeper reason for the revolving door appointments being made.
“You’ve got to ask yourself: why is it suddenly that so many people have decided to call it a day?”
Whether this will be the final change at the top remains to be seen.
But it’s a big year for the FIA as they prepare to take the sport into a new era in two years time.
They will hope to be singing from the same hymn sheet when that time comes around.
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