Alpine Shakes Up Leadership with F1 Veteran Steve Nielsen Taking the Helm
In a bold move to revamp their leadership structure, Alpine has named F1 veteran Steve Nielsen as their new Managing Director. This decision comes in the wake of a tumultuous period for the Enstone team, plagued by internal exits and a lack of stability at the top.
Nielsen, a highly respected figure in the world of Formula 1, is no stranger to high-pressure roles, having previously served as the FIA’s Sporting Director and held key positions in various teams throughout his nearly 40-year career in the sport. His appointment signifies a strategic step for Alpine as they strive to regain control and chart a clear path for improved performance after a series of managerial changes.
Following the departure of former Team Principal Oliver Oakes, Alpine has been without a permanent leader, with team advisor Flavio Briatore temporarily filling the void. Now, Briatore has turned to a familiar face in Nielsen, a former colleague from Benetton and Renault, to take on a pivotal operational role within the team.
Set to commence his duties on 1 September, the 61-year-old Nielsen will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the French outfit, reporting directly to Briatore. Alongside Nielsen, Alpine has also announced the hiring of other key personnel to strengthen their team.
Kris Midgley, returning from Ferrari, will assume the role of Head of Aerodynamic Development at Enstone, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous tenure with the team. Additionally, Guy Martin, former Head of Sponsorships Europe at Visa, has been appointed as Alpine’s Global Marketing Director, adding further expertise to the team.
With these strategic appointments, Alpine is signaling a new era of stability and ambition as they aim to make their mark in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1. Fans and rivals alike will be watching closely to see how this revamped leadership lineup propels the team forward in the upcoming races.