The Renault-owned Alpine Formula One team is set to undergo another leadership change with the departure of team principal Bruno Famin, marking the fifth leadership transition in four years. Famin will leave his role by the end of August, as confirmed by the team during the Belgian Grand Prix.
Famin, who will shift to oversee all Renault Group motorsport activities at the Viry-Chatillon factory, replaced Otmar Szafnauer just a year ago. Szafnauer had taken over from Laurent Rossi in February 2022, who himself replaced Cyril Abiteboul in January 2021.
This frequent turnover at the Enstone-based team contrasts sharply with the stability seen at top teams like Red Bull, led by Christian Horner since 2005, and Mercedes, under Toto Wolff’s leadership for over a decade.
Who will be the next Alpine F1 Team Boss?
Rumors suggest Briton Oliver Oakes, founder of Hitech GP teams in Formula Two and Three, might succeed Famin. The official announcement of a replacement is expected in due course.
The Alpine team, which has a history of success under its former guises as Benetton and Renault, has struggled this season, securing only nine points from 13 races and currently standing eighth overall. This follows a sixth-place finish in 2023 and a fourth-place finish in 2022.
The leadership change comes as Renault evaluates its future in Formula One, especially with a new engine regulation era beginning in 2026 that demands significant investment. The team has been linked to a possible supply partnership with Mercedes. Additionally, former Benetton and Renault F1 boss Flavio Briatore recently returned as an executive adviser to Renault CEO Luca de Meo.
Formula One will enter its August break following this weekend’s race at Spa-Francorchamps, with the next race scheduled at Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix on August 25.
