Alpine make changes with Otmar Szafnauer, Alan Permane and Pat Fry leaving the Formula 1 team

Alpine have confirmed a major behind-the-scenes shake up, with team principal Otmar Szafnauer, sporting director Alan Permane and chief technical officer Pat Fry set to depart after the Belgian Grand Prix.

The F1 team recently parted ways with CEO Laurent Rossi, and the changes have continued with Szafnauer, Permane and Fry heading for the exit door.

Szafnauer only joined the Enstone team in the winter of 2022, but Permane has been with Alpine since 1989.

“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.

“Bruno Famin, VP, Alpine Motorsports, will assume the role of interim team principal of BWT Alpine F1 Team from the Dutch Grand Prix onwards. Current Alpine academy director Julian Rouse is named interim sporting director, with Matt Harman leading the technical team at Enstone. Both Julian and Matt will report to Bruno Famin.”

Fry has been hotly tipped to take up a role as technical director at Alpine’s F1 rivals Williams.

Alpine have struggled in the 2023 season, with their best finish being Esteban Ocon’s third place at Monaco.

The Belgian Grand Prix takes place on Sunday, July 30.