Steve Nielsen, Formula 1, Flavio Briatore, Oli Oakes, Kris Midgley, Mercedes power“>
MONZA, Italy, July 4, 2025
Alpine gets a new team leader
Steve Nielsen will take over as Managing Director.
- Steve Nielsen appointed Alpine Managing Director.
- Nielsen replaces Oli Oakes, who departed in May.
- Kris Midgley joins as Head of Aerodynamic Advancement.
- Alpine hopes to improve fortunes, switching to Mercedes power next season.
Alpine’s new Managing Director is Steve Nielsen, who will oversee the team’s daily operations; the appointment aims to inject fresh leadership into the French manufacturer.
Nielsen’s new role
alpine has appointed Steve Nielsen as their Managing Director. Nielsen will report to executive advisor Flavio Briatore and manage the team’s day-to-day operations. The French manufacturer sought a senior leader after Oli Oakes’ departure from the Team Principal role in May.
Nielsen will transition from his role as Chief Motorsports Operations Officer, Sporting, at F1, the sport’s commercial rights holder. He will officially start his new role on September 1, ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Nielsen is a respected figure within the racing paddock.
Briatore’s continued involvement
Briatore will continue to have overall obligation for the Alpine project. He and Nielsen have known each other for decades.
This move marks Nielsen’s return to Enstone. He has had multiple stints with the team under its previous names: Benetton, Renault, and Lotus. His roles included Sporting director during the 2005 and 2006 World Championship-winning years.
did you know? Nielsen has worked with several teams, including Tyrrell, Honda, Toro Rosso, and arrows.
Additional team changes
In recent years, Nielsen has also spent time at the FIA, the sport’s governing body.
Alpine also announced the recent recruitment of Kris Midgley as Head of Aerodynamic Development. Midgley reports to Executive Technical Director David Sanchez. He previously worked at Enstone from 2007 to 2013 and recently served as Principal Aerodynamicist at Ferrari.
Looking ahead
What are alpine’s hopes for next season? Alpine aims to improve their standing in the Teams’ Championship next season. they are currently at the bottom with 11 points. They will switch to Mercedes power, hoping for better results.
Understanding the Managing Director’s Pivotal Role in Formula 1
The appointment of Steve Nielsen as Alpine’s Managing Director marks a critical juncture for the team. Nielsen, according to the initial report, is tasked with overseeing day-to-day operations, taking on a notable leadership duty. This role is multifaceted, demanding a keen understanding of Formula 1’s complex landscape and the technical intricacies that encompass the sport.
The Managing Director position is,at its core,a linchpin in any Formula 1 team. This role involves strategic planning, overseeing finances, managing personnel, and ensuring efficient operations. The Managing Director works closely with the Team Principal and other key figures to formulate and execute the team’s objectives, ultimately striving to improve performance on and off the track.
Here’s a breakdown of the core responsibilities often associated with the Managing Director’s role:
- Strategic Planning: Setting the long-term vision, goals, and competitive strategy.
- Financial Management: Managing budgets, securing sponsorship deals, and ensuring financial stability.
- operational Efficiency: Streamlining operations, including logistics, race-weekend preparations, and factory processes.
- Personnel Management: Overseeing the hiring, development, and performance of team members.
- Stakeholder Relations: Maintaining relationships with sponsors, partners, the FIA, and other key stakeholders.
Nielsen’s experience,as outlined in the previous report,suggests he brings a complete understanding of these aspects. His history with various F1 teams at different levels,along with his time at the sport’s governing body,provides him with a unique viewpoint.
The Role of a Managing Director in F1: The Managing Director has wide ranging duties from strategic planning to personnel management. They must have a deep understanding of logistics, technical aspects, race weekend logistics, and factory processes.
The departure of Oli Oakes, as highlighted, underscores the importance of a stable leadership structure. The dynamics within a Formula 1 team can be quite dynamic, and strong governance is essential for maintaining a clear direction and operational consistency.
What Success Looks Like for Alpine Under Nielsen?
For Alpine, and for Nielsen as Managing Director, success will hinge on several factors. Firstly,
Table of Contents
