Alpine strengthens technical team with former FIA figure

Alpine has added Jason Sommerville to its technical leadership, appointing the former FIA Head of Aerodynamics as Deputy Technical Director. He starts immediately and will report to Executive Technical Director David Sanchez.

Why it matters:

Alpine has built steady momentum in the 2026 season, regularly challenging for points. Adding a figure with Sommerville's blend of team-side engineering and regulatory experience at the FIA and FOM strengthens the technical foundation needed to sustain that progress and eventually target podiums.

The details:

• Sommerville left the FIA at the end of the 2025 season after serving as Head of Aerodynamics since 2022. Before that, he worked at FOM on the current regulations.
• He previously spent time at Alpine's Enstone factory between 2010 and 2011, giving him familiarity with the team's culture and facilities.
• His role will focus on bridging aerodynamics and vehicle performance, an area where Alpine has aimed to improve over recent seasons.
• Team Principal Flavio Briatore and David Sanchez both pushed for the hire, citing Sommerville's ability to contribute immediately to the “development race.”

What's next:

Sommerville expressed excitement about returning to a team environment and “hunting milliseconds.” Sanchez noted that the team’s strong start is “just the beginning” and that Sommerville’s arrival will help Alpine take further steps in performance. With technical stability and a clear upward trajectory, the team is positioning itself for a stronger second half of the season.