After years where the accepted wisdom in F1 is that the route to success is a well-defined vision, stability, investment, and realism, Alpine going separate ways with two of its most senior figures seems a step in the opposite direction. It also comes against the backdrop of the team appearing to lurch from one decision to the next without any kind of overall strategy.
Just three weeks ago, Alpine’s F1 engine chief Bruno Famin was appointed VP of Motorsport, to act as a clear touch point for CEO Laurent Rossi above him and F1 team boss Szafnauer below him. At the time he said that the idea was to help clear up the reporting structure for Szafnauer, but that Alpine’s vision for success with its 100-race plan was unchanged.
“There is no need to change the roadmap,” said Famin.
A week later, and Alpine announced that Rossi had gone – moved aside to take on unspecified ‘special projects’ tasks. Replacing him was former Ferrari man Philippe Krief.
The move was interpreted by many as a boost to Szafnauer, in removing Rossi totally from the picture – with the pair not having exactly seen eye-to-eye this season over the progress of the Alpine squad.
In the wake of that senior shuffle, Szafnauer declared that he had faith Renault CEO Luca de Meo would give him the time he felt necessary to get Alpine up to the front of the F1 grid – which was in line with the 100-race plan that ended in 2026.
“It takes time,” said Szafnauer about whether or not he felt de Meo would have the necessary patience. It has taken everybody time.
“I know Luca is a man of his word, and he gave me his word on 100 races to start winning, and sometimes you take a half-step backwards to take two steps forward. So, I have no concern that Luca will be true to his word and give me the 100-races time that is required.”
Source: Autosport