Alpine Strengthens Technical Team with Jason Somerville as Deputy Technical Director

Jason Somerville has officially joined Alpine F1 as deputy technical director after completing six months of gardening leave from the FIA. The Briton, who led the FIA's aerodynamics department since 2022 and helped shape the 2026 regulations, now reports to technical chief David Sanchez at Enstone.

Why it matters:

Alpine is sharpening its technical leadership to build on a strong 2026 start. Somerville reunites with managing director Steve Nielsen — a familiar face from their time at the FIA and F1 management — and brings experience from Williams, Toyota, Lotus, and FOM. His return to a team environment could accelerate Alpine's push from midfield leaders toward consistent top-tier contention.

The details:

• Role: Newly created deputy technical director, reporting to David Sanchez.
• Background: Served as FIA head of aero since February 2022, previously in a similar role at FOM, and stints in aero departments at Williams, Toyota, and Lotus.
• Regulation impact: Somerville was instrumental in drafting the 2026 technical rules. His departure from the FIA prompted a redistribution of duties; the governing body has since made new hires to strengthen its London aero team.
• Alpine's 2026 form: After dedicating last season to development under the new regulations, the team sits fifth in the constructors' standings with 23 points from the opening four rounds, leading the midfield pack.

What's next:

Somerville's insider knowledge of the 2026 rules could give Alpine a development edge as the season progresses. The team aims to close the gap to the frontrunners and translate early midfield dominance into regular top-five finishes.