Alpine Names Ex-FIA Aerodynamics Chief Jason Somerville as Deputy Technical Director

Alpine has confirmed the arrival of Jason Somerville as deputy technical director, a newly created role designed to strengthen the team's design and aerodynamics department. Somerville, who previously led aerodynamic research for the 2022 ground-effect rules and contributed to the 2026 regulations, joins after completing an enforced gardening leave from the FIA.

Why it matters:

Somerville's appointment signals Alpine's ambition to close the gap to the front of the grid. The team has already shown remarkable improvement in 2026, scoring more points in the first four races than it did all of last year. Adding a high-profile technical figure like Somerville underscores the momentum Alpine is building both on and off the track.

The details:

• Somerville will report to executive technical director David Sanchez, bringing deep experience from Williams, Toyota, Renault, and his recent regulatory work with F1 and the FIA.
• This marks a return to Enstone, where he previously worked under the Renault banner in 2010-2011.
• Managing director Steve Nielsen believes the team's improved performance will help attract top talent, and Somerville's arrival is a direct result of that upward trajectory.
• Sanchez described the signing as another step in a long journey, emphasizing that the team's early-season success is just the beginning.

What's next:

Alpine is currently fifth in the constructors' championship and aims to sustain its competitive form. Somerville's expertise in aerodynamic optimization will be critical as the team develops its car for the remainder of the 2026 season and beyond. With the technical department now bolstered, Alpine hopes to challenge for regular podiums and potentially close in on the top three.