Otmar Szafnauer axed as Alpine team principal as Williams poach another top boss

28 July 2023 , 12:58

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Otmar Szafnauer will leave his role as Alpine team principal (Image: Getty Images)

Alpine have axed team principal Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane on the eve of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Both will continue in their roles for the rest of the race weekend at Spa-Francorchamps. But, once the racing action has concluded, they will both leave with immediate effect.

Szafnauer joined ahead of the 2022 season and steered the team to a fourth-placed finish in the constructors' standings. His axing comes as the team sits sixth in the table after the first 11 races of this campaign, with 47 points.

Meanwhile, Alpine confirmed Permane will also depart after the conclusion of the Belgian Grand Prix. He spent more than 30 years working for the Enstone-based team.

A team statement read: "Otmar will continue his duties as normal for this weekend's race in Belgium, before leaving the team ahead of the summer break. The team would like to thank Otmar for his hard work over the past 18 months and for leading the team in achieving fourth place in the 2022 constructors' championship. The team wishes him the best for the future.

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"The team can also confirm it will part ways with Sporting Director Alan Permane by mutual agreement. Alan will also continue his role this weekend in Belgium before departing ahead of the summer break. After 34 distinguished years at Enstone, the team extends its thanks to Alan and wishes him the best in his future endeavours."

Alpine's vice president of motorsport, Bruno Famin, will take over as interim team principal until a long-term appointment is made. Julian Rouse, who oversees the team's driver academy, becomes interim sporting director while Matt Harman leads the team's technical efforts at their Enstone base.

Long-serving Alan Permane is also out at Alpine (Getty Images)

Chief technical officer Pat Fry will also be leaving his post. Minutes after the Alpine announcement, the Williams team issued a press release in which it confirmed he will be joining the Grove-based squad later this year in the same role.

"I am thrilled to be joining Williams Racing as chief technical officer," said Fry. "The team has a rich heritage in Formula 1, and I am excited to contribute to its future success. I believe in the team's potential and, together, we will strive for excellence on and off the track."

And team principal James Vowles added: "On behalf of all at Williams Racing, I'm delighted to be welcoming Pat. His knowledge and experience will further strengthen the team's technical capabilities and pursuit of excellence as we build the next chapter of Williams.

"Pat has been a core part of winning teams throughout his career, he is one of the most respected experts in our industry and I'm excited to begin work with him when he joins in November."

Daniel Moxon