In a major technical reshuffle at Alpine, an old face is returning to the Formula 1 paddock. The Enstone-based team has confirmed that Jason Somerville, former head of aerodynamics at the FIA, has joined the organisation as Deputy Technical Director with immediate effect.
This appointment is another significant step in Alpine’s ongoing restructuring project, overseen by executive advisor Flavio Briatore and technical director David Sanchez. Alpine currently sits fifth in the Constructors’ Championship after the opening phase of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Somerville is no stranger to Enstone. The British national previously worked in Alpine’s aerodynamics department between 2010 and 2011, before moving on to senior roles elsewhere in Formula 1. The 57-year-old has also held positions at Toyota F1 and Williams Racing during his long career in motorsport.
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Former FIA Chief is ‘looking forward to returning to Enstone’
Most recently, he worked for the FIA, joining the governing body in 2022 as Head of Aerodynamics. His return to a team environment is seen as a sign of Alpine’s commitment to speeding up its technical development programme.
“I am really looking forward to returning to Enstone and working with Flavio Briatore, Steve Nielsen and David Sanchez in this new role,” Somerville said in Alpine’s official announcement.
The experienced aerodynamicist added, “I’m happy to be back in the thick of things, chasing milliseconds and fighting against our rivals for points, and hopefully titles. I’m looking forward to getting started and joining the outstanding team of engineers, designers, and aerodynamicists at the factory. Hopefully, I will be able to contribute to the team’s success in the not-too-distant future.”
Alpine is continuing its aggressive rebuild project
Somerville’s arrival coincides with a period of significant transition for Alpine, which has undergone multiple management and technical changes over the last two seasons.
Former Ferrari aero specialist Sanchez recently took over as Technical Director, while veteran Formula 1 figure Steve Nielsen returned to the Enstone setup as part of the broader restructuring effort led by Briatore.
Sanchez welcomed the latest addition to the technical department, stressing that Alpine’s current progress is only the beginning of a longer-term project.
“We are very pleased to welcome someone of Jason’s calibre and experience to our team and to continue our steady progress,” Sanchez explained.
“The work the team has already done this season has been exceptional, but we all know this is just the beginning, and not a single team member is resting on their laurels.”
Alpine is aiming to close the gap to the Formula 1 frontrunners
After the opening four races of the 2026 season, Alpine occupies fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship with 23 points.
The French manufacturer is behind Mercedes, Ferrari, and the reigning champions, McLaren and Red Bull Racing. However, the team believes that its revised technical structure can help to narrow the deficit over the remainder of the campaign.
Alpine’s leadership has repeatedly emphasised that the current rebuilding process is focused not only on short-term gains, but also on preparing the organisation for Formula 1’s next major regulatory cycle.
Somerville’s expertise in aerodynamics could prove especially valuable as teams adapt to the evolving technical demands of the 2026 regulations. His recent FIA experience also gives Alpine additional insight into how the sport’s aerodynamic philosophy is developing behind the scenes.
As Alpine continues to strengthen its technical department, it is clear that the Enstone outfit intends to become a more consistent challenger at the front of the Formula 1 grid in the coming seasons.
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