After weeks of discussions, Alpine has found a new team manager in Steve Nielsen, a respected Formula 1 veteran and a familiar face to the Enstone team. Nielsen is currently still working for Formula 1, but will step down from his duties as Chief Motorsports Operations Officer on September 1, ahead of the Italian Grand Prix. In Monza, he will automatically assume his new role at Alpine.
The appointment marks a return to Enstone for Steve Nielsen, who has been associated with the team during multiple periods in the past. Under the previous names Benetton, Renault, and Lotus, he already worked with the current top advisor, Flavio Briatore. During the championship years of 2005 and 2006, Nielsen served as sporting director. After the sudden departure of team boss Oliver Oakes after the Miami GP, Alpine was rudderless for some time, although top advisor Flavio Briatore effectively took control again.
After a period with Formula 1, Nielsen also briefly worked for the FIA in 2023. However, he quickly resigned from there. It was one of the notable departures under the leadership of Chairman Mohammed Ben Sulayem. At Alpine, Nielsen now receives the title of team manager, which in practice means that he will take on the traditional responsibilities of a team boss. Briatore will continue to lead the overall organization.
