The Alpine F1 statement that explains the departure of its director Otmar Szafnauer and Alan Permane
While the information had leaked early in the day, the press release from Alpine F1 announcing the departure of the top management of Alpine F1 took several hours to be released. Here are the details.
Alpine is going through a renolution. “Renolution” is the term used by Luca de Meo to revitalize the Renault group two years ago. Alpine is now in the midst of turmoil. After the departure of Laurent Rossi, the director of the Alpine brand and head of the F1 team, both the sports director and the technical director have been dismissed.
Otmar Szafnauer and Alan Permane have therefore been fired from Alpine F1. They will continue to hold their positions until Sunday to finish the Belgian Grand Prix, and the team will have a new structure upon the return from the summer break.
Here is the press release sent to the media by Alpine:
« The BWT Alpine F1 team announces today that it is parting ways with team principal, Otmar Szafnauer, by mutual agreement, following the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix. »
« Otmar will continue his duties as usual for this weekend’s race in Belgium, before leaving the team just before the summer break. The team would like to thank Otmar for his hard work over the past 18 months and for leading the team to fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship in 2022. The team wishes him all the best for the future. »
The team also confirms the amicable separation with the sporting director, Alan Permane. Alan will continue his role this weekend in Belgium before leaving before the summer break. After 34 distinguished years at Enstone, the team expresses its gratitude to Alan and wishes him the best in his future projects.
The team also announces the departure of Pat Fry, who will leave the team to pursue his career in Formula 1 elsewhere.
« Bruno Famin, vice-president of Alpine Motorsports, will assume the role of interim team principal for the BWT Alpine F1 team starting from the Dutch Grand Prix. Julian Rouse, the current director of the Alpine Academy, will be appointed as interim sporting director, while Matt Harman will lead the technical team in Enstone. Julian and Matt will report to Bruno Famin. »
