Alpine F1 appoints Somerville as deputy technical director

Alpine Formula One Team has appointed Jason Somerville as its new deputy technical director, effective immediately, bolstering its technical leadership amid a strong start to the 2026 season.

The Enstone-based squad confirmed the hire on Friday, with Somerville reporting to executive technical director David Sanchez. Somerville, a veteran aerodynamicist, returns to the team 15 years after working in its aerodynamics department during its Renault era in 2010 and 2011. His career also includes stints at Williams, where he led the aerodynamics group, and Toyota. More recently, he contributed to Formula One's 2022 ground-effect regulations at Formula One Management before joining the FIA as head of aerodynamics in 2022. There, he played a key role in shaping subsequent rule changes, including aspects of the 2026 regulatory overhaul, prior to departing earlier this week following a period of gardening leave.

Alpine finished last in the 2025 constructors' standings but has climbed to fifth place after four races this season, accumulating 23 points with drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto. Team officials described the appointment as a step to sustain this momentum in the ongoing...