Otmar Szafneaur says he is ‘worried’ for Alpine staff members after his unexpected sacking

Alpine are undergoing a massive reshuffle and have sacked the majority of the team's top brass.

Otmar Szafnauer (Credits: The Mirror)

Alpine has recently experienced a seismic upheaval in its upper echelons, leading to the departure of esteemed team principal Otmar Szafnauer. The catalyst behind his exit was a profound disparity in the team’s vision for future triumphs, with Szafnauer deeming Alpine’s new goal of becoming a regular winner and championship challenger by 2026 an unattainable feat. This difference in perspective significantly influenced Szafnauer’s decision to bid farewell to the team.

Otmar Szafnauer moved teams from Aston Martin and led the French outfit for 18 months as their team principal before leaving the team following the Belgian GP. “I was just getting into my stride, raising the tide and motivating the team,” Otmar said, speaking about his time at the Enstone-based team.

Szafnauer expressing his heartfelt concern for the talented staff members he leaves behind, said at Spa, “It’s just my worry is for the all the wonderful men and women at Enstone and Viry that work hard and do a good job. I hope their future is bright.”

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The farewell at the iconic Spa circuit was a poignant affair, with tears welling up in the eyes of some team members as they bid adieu to their leader. Szafnauer, in a bid to lighten the mood, playfully reassured them, “Look, I’m still alive, I didn’t die! I’ll be alright.”

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Bruno Famin steps in as interim team principal

Bruno Famin, the interim team principal of Alpine (Credits: Motor Sports Week)

Following the conclusion of the Belgian Grand Prix, Alpine formally announced Szafnauer’s departure, marking it as part of a comprehensive management reshuffle, with Bruno Famin stepping in as the interim team principal. As Laurent Rossi stepped down, Philippe Sinault was the new CEO. Additionally, the team bid adieu to Alan Permane, the sporting director, to chart a new course for future success.

Despite the challenges, Alpine concluded Szafnauer’s tenure on a high note at Spa. The team showcased their mettle, with Pierre Gasly securing a commendable third-place finish in the thrilling sprint race. Meanwhile, Esteban Ocon demonstrated remarkable progress, mounting an impressive charge from 14th on the grid to secure an impressive eighth-place finish.

"At one stage we realised we were not really on the same line"

Bruno Famin discusses Otmar Szafnauer and Alan Permane leaving the team after the Belgian Grand Prix and what's next for Alpine ⏩ pic.twitter.com/LKaNr7Trop
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 28, 2023

The team was locked in a fight with the McLaren team before the British GP for the sixth spot in the standings. While the Woking outfit have jumped them lately, the French outfit was within touching distance of overhauling the British team, by the hands of Ocon, who was trailing by a second to Lando Norris. Otmar remarked about this, saying, “Another couple of laps and it looked like we were catching Lando at the end. It was really good.”

While Szafnauer’s journey with Alpine may have ended, his indomitable optimism remains unwavering. As the team welcomes Bruno Famin as the interim team principal, a new chapter in Alpine’s history begins. Embracing change and reinvigorated leadership, the team stands poised to tackle new challenges with renewed vigor and determination.