It's a season of fire for the Alpine. The French team finds itself in enormous difficulty, considering not only that sixth place in the constructors' category – at the expense of the fourth achieved last season – but also a power unit that is significantly inferior to its opponents.
Alpine thanks Szafnauer: “After Spa our relationship ends”
When the results are not obtained, or at least below expectations, it is usually preferred change, as in the case of the Alpine. The Enstone team has in fact communicated - through its social channels - that it is the team principal, Otmar Szafnauer, and the sporting director, Alan Permane, will greet the team at the end of the Belgian GP"Otmar – we read from team statement - will continue his work as normal this weekend in Belgium, before leaving the team following the summer break. The team would like to thank Otmar for his hard work over the last 18 months and for leading the team to fourth place in the constructors' standings in 2022. Alpine wishes him all the best for the future".
Not only Szafnauer and Permane, Fry also says hello
In addition to Szafnauer and Permane, Fry is also saying goodbye to Alpine. The British engineer will continue his journey in F1, landing in Williams"We can also confirm that, in addition to Otmar, sporting director Alan Permane will also say goodbye to the team through mutual agreement with the team. Alan will carry out his role as sporting director throughout the Belgian weekend, before leaving in charge of the summer break. After 34 in Enstone, the team extends its biggest thanks to Alan for his work and wishes him the best in his future endeavours. Alpine can also confirm that Pat Fry will leave the team to continue his F1 career at another team."
Famin new team principal, but the target is called Binotto
The question, after this statement, arises spontaneously: who will replace Szafnauer? Based on the latest rumors, it seems that the favorite could be Mattia binotto. At the moment, however, it will be in Alpine Famin and fill the role of tp ad interim"Bruno Famin will take over as interim team principal of the team from the Dutch Grand Prix (after the summer break, ed.). Current Academy Alpine director Julian Rouse will be the new interim sporting director, with Matt Harman leading the technical side at Enstone. Both will have the task of reporting Famin to Bruno."
