Alpine Appoints Steve Nielsen Managing Director Amid Management Overhaul

Formula 1 team Alpine has appointed Steve Nielsen as managing director to oversee daily operations starting in September, reporting to executive advisor Flavio Briatore. Nielsen replaces Oliver Oakes, who unexpectedly left the team in May amid personal and family-related issues, including legal troubles involving Oakes's brother. Nielsen, a well-respected figure with multiple previous stints at Enstone-based teams—including serving as sporting director during Renault's 2005 and 2006 championship-winning seasons—recently left roles at Formula One Management and the FIA before returning to Alpine. His appointment marks the seventh managerial change for Alpine in five years amid ongoing instability, with the team currently struggling at the bottom of the constructors' standings. The move comes alongside other recent changes, such as Kris Midgley becoming head of aerodynamic development, against a backdrop of broader uncertainty following leadership shifts at Renault Group, Alpine's parent company. Flavio Briatore continues as the team's executive advisor and de facto leader, having temporarily covered Oakes's responsibilities after his departure.