Alain Prost thrashes former Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi, labels him an ‘INCAPABLE’ leader

Alain Prost's bold remarks trigger Alpine’s leadership overhaul

Alain Prost (Image credit: F1) and Laurent Rossi (Image credit: Eurosport)

Two weeks ago, Philippe Krief replaced Laurent Rossi in his role within the Renault Group. Rossi moved to focus on other projects after overseeing the Alpine F1 operation and criticizing their performance this season. Four-time World Champion Alain Prost attacked the former CEO Rossi, expressing dismay at how things were run with the manufacturer with which he won his first title in 1985.

Alain Prost remarked that Laurent Rossi exemplified the Dunning-Kruger effect—a leader incapable of recognizing his incompetence. Prost accused Rossi of arrogance and lacking empathy for his team. Having been Alpine’s boss for 18 months, Alain believes Rossi’s misguided belief in his knowledge disrupted progress. Especially in terms of podium finishes and victories since 2016.

“Laurent Rossi is the most beautiful example of the Dunning-Kruger effect, that of an incapable leader who thinks he can overcome his incompetence by his arrogance,” Prost told motorsportweek.com. “His management broke the momentum that had been put in place since 2016 to reach these podiums and this victory.”

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Also read: Why did Alpine expel team principal Otmar Szafnauer?

Alain Prost’s bold remarks trigger Alpine’s leadership overhaul

Alpine’s former team principal Otmar Szafnauer (Image Credit: The Independent)

Renault Group confirmed the departures of Otmar Szafnauer and Alan Permane and also announced Pat Fry joining Williams as technical director. The ex-Formula One driver Prost offered a fading assessment of his former team’s current state. Despite Rossi’s exit from the front line during Renault’s reshuffle, the 51-time Grand Prix winner held himself responsible for the team’s progress stagnation under his leadership.

Prost told L’Equipe about his deep attachment to the team, starting with its original name, Renault, which led him to compete for a world championship. He expressed love for the team and distress over its current state. The team, according to Prost’s belief, deserves better, as he has been involved with the Enstone association in recent years and sees its potential for greatness.

It's been quite an 18 months at Alpine! ?

Will these moves be the start of an Alpine revival? Or are they a sign of bigger troubles ahead? ?⁠#F1 #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/H2idqOFRcO
— Autosport (@autosport) July 29, 2023

“First of all, I have to say how attached I am to this team,” Prost told French publication L’Equipe. “Through its original name, Renault, which enabled me to race and fight for a world crown for the first time,” the former world champion continued. “I love this team and to see it in this state today saddens and distresses me. It deserves better and has everything it needs to get there.”

After the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, Renault-owned Alpine will see the departure of team boss Otmar Szafnauer. Bruno Famin will take over as interim principal. Alpine Academy director Julian Rouse will step in as an interim replacement for Permane, while Matt Harman will lead the technical team at Enstone. The Formula One team announced the changes on Friday.