Alpine confirms formal split with former interim F1 boss Bruno Famin

Alpine has formally ended its professional relationship with Bruno Famin, who stepped down as interim Formula 1 team principal last year. The move comes as team advisor Flavio Briatore downplayed concerns about Mercedes potentially acquiring a minority stake in the Alpine F1 operation, suggesting such an investment would have little influence on team decisions.

Why it matters:

Famin's departure marks the final step in Alpine's prolonged leadership reshuffle, closing a chapter of interim management aimed at stabilizing the team. Simultaneously, Briatore's comments on ownership stakes highlight the ongoing financial and structural evolution within F1, where outside investment is becoming more common but control remains tightly held by majority stakeholders.

The details:

• Alpine confirmed Axel Plasse, VP of Alpine Tech, will assume Famin's former responsibilities while continuing to oversee the brand's World Endurance Championship (WEC) program.
• Bruno Famin was promoted to interim F1 Team Principal in 2023 following Otmar Szafnauer's exit, tasked with guiding the team through a turbulent period of internal restructuring and inconsistent performance.
• After stepping back from his operational F1 role in August 2024 to focus on the WEC program, Famin has now completely severed ties with the Renault-owned squad.
• Separately, advisor Flavio Briatore addressed rumors of Mercedes' interest in acquiring part of the 24% stake in Alpine F1 held by investor group Otro Capital.
• Briatore minimized concerns, stating a 25% stake makes an investor "a passenger" and cited the Red Bull organization as an example where minority shareholders have limited operational influence.

What's next:

With Famin's chapter closed, Alpine's revamped leadership under Bruno Famin's permanent successor can fully focus on the team's competitive rebuild. The situation around Otro Capital's stake will be watched closely, as any deal with a manufacturer like Mercedes, however minor, would symbolize the increasing intertwining of interests in the modern F1 grid.