BREAKING: FIA’s Aerodynamics Chief Jason Somerville Exits – Is Alpine F1 His Next Stop?
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, the FIA has officially announced the departure of its Head of Aerodynamics, Jason Somerville. This pivotal move raises eyebrows, especially as whispers of his potential future at Alpine F1 for the 2026 season grow louder.
Somerville, a key mastermind behind the revolutionary ground effect car aerodynamics regulations that have transformed the sport, has chosen to resign from his position at the FIA. However, he won’t be stepping into a new role immediately. According to FIA protocols, he will enter a six-month gardening leave, effectively sidelining him from the sport during this transitional phase.
While speculation swirls about his next destination, many insiders believe that Alpine is poised to welcome Somerville with open arms. Although there are murmurs of interest from the newly formed Cadillac team, all signs point towards Alpine as the frontrunner.
An FIA spokesperson confirmed the departure, stating, “We can confirm that Jason Somerville, Head of Aerodynamics, will be leaving the FIA. Jason will serve his full notice period including gardening leave.” However, the spokesperson remained tight-lipped regarding the specifics of Somerville’s future role or its commencement date.
The FIA is taking precautionary measures in light of Somerville’s imminent exit. To safeguard sensitive information, he has been reassigned from F1-related duties. “During this transition, Jason will dedicate his time to non-sensitive, non-F1 projects,” the spokesperson elaborated. “Access to sensitive and confidential information has been adjusted accordingly, in line with our standard off-boarding procedures. We would like to thank Jason for his invaluable contribution to the organization and wish him well in the next chapter of his career.”
If Somerville does indeed join Alpine, he will reunite with Steve Nielsen, a former FIA colleague who has taken the helm as Managing Director of Alpine since July 2025. Nielsen’s own departure from the FIA in December 2023 after a brief stint as Sporting Director adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama. He now reports directly to Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore, an influential figure in the paddock.
As the 2025 season unfolds with Alpine facing challenges, the addition of a seasoned expert like Somerville could be the game-changing move the team desperately needs. In a sport where aerodynamics can make or break a season, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Stay tuned as this story develops, and don’t miss out on how Jason Somerville’s next chapter could reshape the landscape of Formula 1!








