Alpine F1 Team and Otmar Szafnauer part by ‘mutual agreement’ after Belgian GP

Alpine F1 are set to see some major changes, into the Formula 1 summer break, as they part ways with Otmar Szafnauer by ‘mutual agreement’ after the Belgian Grand Prix.

While the factories will be shut down over the next couple of weeks after the conclusion of the Belgian Grand Prix, on Sunday, the French team will be busy at work. Szafnauer is set to leave the team ‘by mutual agreement,’ alongside Alan Permane and Pat Fry as confirmed by the team.

It has been a troubling couple of race weekends which have left the team down in sixth in the F1 2023 constructors championship, after 11 rounds. Two double DNFs have hindered their position in the standings following their retirements in both Silverstone and the Hungaroring, for the respective British and Hungarian Grand Prix.

Szafnauer and, Alpine’s Sporting Director, Permane are expected to continue their duties for the team during the Belgian Grand Prix, this weekend. However, they will head their separate ways after its conclusion.

While it’s unclear where the next stops lie for Szafnauer and Permane. On the other hand, Williams Racing are anticipating the arrival of Fry who will continue his career in F1 with them.

In a statement, released by Alpine, they said:

“Otmar will continue his duties as normal for this weekend’s race in Belgium, before leaving the team ahead of the summer break.

“The team would like to thank Otmar for his hard work over the past 18 months and for leading the team in achieving fourth place in the 2022 Constructors’ Championship. The team wishes him the best for the future.

“The team can also confirm it will part ways with Sporting Director Alan Permane by mutual agreement.

“Alan will also continue his role this weekend in Belgium before departing ahead of the summer break. After 34 distinguished years at Enstone, the team extends its thanks to Alan and wishes him the best in his future endeavours.

“The team also announces that Pat Fry will leave the team to continue his career in Formula 1 elsewhere.”

As a result of the impending change, Alpine has understandably set in motion their temporary replacements.

Vice President of Alpine Motorsports, Bruno Famin will take over as Interim Team Principle, in place of Szafnauer. His first race weekend in the Interim role will be the first race weekend back when F1 heads to the Netherlands for the Dutch Grand Prix.

Alpine Academy Director, Julian Rouse, will stand as the teams Interim Sporting Director with Matt Harman leading the technical team at their headquarters, in Enstone. Both Rouse and Harman are expected to report to Famin.

That’s all for the article; Alpine F1 Team and Otmar Szafnauer part by ‘mutual agreement’ after Belgian GP!

Read more Formula 1 here:

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• Alfa Romeo set to showcase KICK-inspired special livery at Belgium GP
• Ricciardo says there’s a lot ‘to be happy about’ after F1 return

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Kamron Kent

Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.

I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.

Kamron Kent

Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.