Steve Nielsen Appointed Alpine Managing Director Amidst Leadership Changes

Alpine has announced the appointment of Steve Nielsen as the team's new Managing Director, a significant move following the recent departure of Team Principal Oli Oakes. This strategic hire, effective September 1, 2025, aims to strengthen the French manufacturer's leadership structure and daily operations.

A New Era for Alpine's Leadership

Steve Nielsen will assume the critical role of Managing Director at Alpine, where he will oversee the day-to-day running of the Formula 1 team. He will report directly to executive advisor Flavio Briatore, who retains overall responsibility for the project. This appointment signals Alpine's intent to stabilize its management after a period of transition.

The search for a senior leader to manage the team's daily affairs commenced after Oli Oakes' resignation from the Team Principal position in May. Nielsen, a highly respected figure within the paddock, will transition from his current role as Chief Motorsports Operations Officer, Sporting, at Formula 1's commercial rights holder to join Alpine. His start date is set for September 1, coinciding with the lead-up to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Nielsen's Extensive Return to Enstone

For Steve Nielsen, this appointment marks a notable return to Enstone, the historical base of the Alpine team. He has had multiple previous stints with the squad under its former identities, including Benetton, Renault, and Lotus. Notably, he served as Sporting Director during the successful 2005 and 2006 World Championship-winning seasons. His long-standing relationship with Flavio Briatore, who has known Nielsen for decades, further underscores the strategic nature of this reunion.

Nielsen's career in motorsport spans various prominent organizations. Beyond his time at Enstone, he has contributed his expertise to other Formula 1 teams such as Tyrrell, Honda, Toro Rosso, and Arrows. In recent years, he has also held significant roles within Formula 1's commercial rights holder and the sport's governing body, the FIA. This diverse background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of both team operations and the broader regulatory and commercial aspects of Formula 1.

Additional Key Recruitments and Future Outlook

In addition to Nielsen's appointment, Alpine has also confirmed another significant recruitment: Kris Midgley has joined the team as Head of Aerodynamic Development. Midgley will report to Executive Technical Director David Sanchez. This marks a return to Enstone for Midgley as well, who previously worked there between 2007 and 2013. Most recently, he held the position of Principal Aerodynamicist at Ferrari. These key hires demonstrate Alpine's commitment to reinforcing its technical and operational departments as it looks to improve its on-track performance.

Alpine is currently positioned at the bottom of the Teams' Championship with 11 points. However, the team harbors ambitions of a significant upturn in fortunes for the upcoming season, particularly with their planned switch to Mercedes power units. The new leadership structure, coupled with strategic technical appointments, is expected to play a crucial role in their efforts to climb the Constructors' standings.

Conclusion

The appointment of Steve Nielsen as Managing Director is a pivotal moment for Alpine, signaling a renewed focus on experienced leadership and operational efficiency. His deep understanding of the Enstone outfit and extensive Formula 1 background, combined with other strategic hires like Kris Midgley, indicates a clear intent by Alpine to revitalize its performance and competitive standing in the highly demanding world of Formula 1.

Sources/References:

1. Steve Nielsen announced as Alpine Managing Director | F1