Gasly Thanks Departing Alpine Bosses as Leadership Changes Sink In
Belgian Grand Prix weekend saw a major shake-up in the Alpine team’s leadership, with Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer, Sporting Director Alan Permane, and Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry all set to depart the outfit. The news was confirmed as the Formula 1 paddock arrived at Spa-Francorchamps.
In response to the changes, Pierre Gasly, the team’s driver, admits that he needs time for everything to sink in. Gasly, who has been focused on extracting the best performance from his car, expressed his gratitude to the departing Alpine personnel.
“My part of the job is trying to extract every single hundredth and millisecond out of this car, and that’s what I try to do,” Gasly explained. “Obviously there have been a few changes [to the management structure], and I haven’t really had time to sit down and let everything sink in.”
Gasly went on to thank Laurent Rossi, Otmar Szafnauer, Alan Permane, and Pat Fry for their efforts and work with him since the beginning of the year.
The changes in leadership will see Bruno Famin, Vice President of Alpine Motorsports, taking on the role of Interim Team Principal from the Dutch Grand Prix. Famin recently assumed the VP position, reporting to CEO Laurent Rossi. Rossi, on the other hand, will be moved to “special projects,” while Philippe Krief will succeed him.
Additionally, Julian Rouse, the current Alpine Academy Director, has been appointed as the Interim Sporting Director, with Matt Harman leading the technical team at Enstone, both reporting to Famin.
Amid these off-track changes and a rollercoaster season for Alpine, Gasly delivered a commendable performance by finishing in third place during the Spa Sprint. His podium finish in mixed conditions brought a moment of celebration for the team.
Gasly emphasized the impact the result had on the team’s morale, highlighting the unity and hard work within the garage. He stated, “I’m really, really pleased for the guys, for the mood inside the garage, and everyone who’s been working since the start of the year.”
With the departure of key figures and the introduction of new interim team leaders, Alpine is entering a period of rebuilding. The team will be eager to continue improving performance and achieving more favorable results in the remaining races of the season.