Alpine strengthens its technical department with a former FIA aerodynamicist

Things continue to change at AlpineWhile the start of the 2026 season has been encouraging—with more points already scored in four weekends than in the entirety of 2025 (23 versus 22 points)—the French team isn't resting on its laurels. With the aim of continuing its climb up the standings, the French team is strengthening its roster: Jason Somerville has officially joined enstone this Friday, May 15th.

The British engineer previously worked for the FIA ​​as head of aerodynamics, but rumors of his departure surfaced at the end of last year. It turns out this wasn't just a flash in the pan: Somerville is joining... Alpinewhere he will hold the position of deputy technical director, under the direction of Frenchman David Sanchez, executive technical director.

Jason Somerville is already familiar with Enstone, having previously worked in the aerodynamics department of Renault between 2010 and 2011. Before that, he had started in Formula 1 in Williams Racing in 1999, before joining Toyota in 2003, where he eventually became deputy director of aerodynamics. Returning to Williams after his time at Renault, the 57-year-old engineer became director of aerodynamics for the Grove-based team.

Like some of his colleagues, Jason Somerville subsequently decided to step back from the operational world of Formula 1 by joining Formula One Management (FOM) to collaborate on the development of the technical regulations introduced in 2022. That year, the new deputy technical director ofAlpine moved from FOM to FIA as head of aerodynamics.

Under the direction of David Sanchez 

Specializing in aerospace, Jason Somerville should get along well with David Sanchez, who also has a background in supply chain management. The two men will form a team intended to help Alpine to get closer to the summits. “I am very happy to be returning to Enstone and to be working with Flavio (Briatore), Steve (Nielsen) and David (Sanchez) in this new role,” appreciates the graduate from Loughborough University (Great Britain), whose position was created especially for him. “It’s been a few years since I’ve been involved in the competitive side of motorsport with a team. I’m excited about this opportunity to get back into the thick of things, to hunt for every thousandth of a second and to fight our rivals for points and, hopefully, trophies. I can’t wait to get started and join this fantastic group of engineers, designers and aerodynamicists at the factory, with the ambition of contributing to the team’s success in the relatively near future.”

“We are delighted to welcome someone of Jason’s caliber and experience to continue our steady progress,” David Sanchez appreciates it. “The work already accomplished this season has been remarkable, but we all know this is just the beginning and no one on the team is resting on their laurels. Jason’s arrival on our technical team will allow us to reach new heights and further improve our performance in this Formula 1 development race.”

For AlpineThe next race will be in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, from May 22nd to 24th.

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