F1
Alpine’s Major Overhaul: Bruno Famin’s Exit and Potential Shift to Mercedes Power Units
Alpine might consider purchasing an external power unit | Bruno Famin steps down as team principal
Bruno Famin transitions to a new role within the Renault Group
Bruno Famin has revealed that he will no longer serve as the team principal for Alpine.
The team has announced that Bruno Famin will step down from his position as Team Principal of the BWT Alpine F1 Team's F1 division by the close of August.
Bruno will oversee all other motorsport operations for the Renault Group at Viry-Chatillon.
"A new leader for the team will be revealed soon."
According to Sky Sports, Oliver Oakes, the founder of Hitech GP, has been associated with the position.
During the F1 Belgian Grand Prix, Famin revealed to Crash.net, who were present in the paddock, that Alpine is considering purchasing a power unit from an outside supplier starting in 2026.
Such a decision would signify a significant shift in approach, transitioning from a producer to a client-focused team.
Alpine has been closely associated with acquiring a Mercedes engine.
Alpine is in discussions with power unit manufacturers
"This is a project of transformation," Famin stated at Spa.
At the start of the week, the staff representative in Viry was briefed about a new project plan. This plan involves shifting resources from the Formula 1 power unit development, which is currently done in Viry, to focus on creating new technologies for a different brand initiative.
If this project gets approved, one of the outcomes would be that the Alpine F1 team would purchase a power unit rather than create their own.
"Afterward, there will be additional resources to grow the brand and a new power unit for the Formula 1 team to compete with."
Famin stated: "We are in discussions with various power unit manufacturers. Nothing has been finalized yet because it's still in the project phase. In France, we have to adhere to a very strict social process and comply with union regulations."
"At the moment, we are in discussions with several PU producers, but we are unable to finalize any agreements until this procedure is complete."
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff mentioned at Silverstone: "It's a complex issue because we appreciate the idea of swapping Aston Martin for a different team. This is due to the valuable insights and knowledge gained from the process."
"Our organization is structured in such a way that having more power units is beneficial because it helps speed up development and improve reliability."
"It never progressed past sharing viewpoints or preliminary talks."
"Alpine needs to make a choice. Should they proceed with their Formula 1 engine program or abandon it?"
"We will only discuss our agreements after they have made that strategic decision. However, we remain open to possibilities. That's the message we've conveyed to them."
Alpine has already experienced major transformations.
One year back, they removed Otmar Szafnauer from his position as team principal.
CEO Laurent Rossi, sporting director Alan Permane, and chief technical officer Pat Fry have all left their positions.
They have recently brought Flavio Briatore back into Formula 1 to serve as an advisor.
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