Alpine sign instrumental figure from FIA

Jason Somerville will join Alpine from the FIA, RacingNews365 understands, where he was serving as the head of aerodynamics.

Having worked for Toyota, Lotus, Williams and F1 before joining the motorsport governing body in February 2022, Somerville is an important capture for the French squad ahead of the regulation change this winter.

With both the power unit and chassis rules being overturned, Alpine has already surrendered its works team status in favour of becoming a Mercedes power unit customer in 2026.

Now, armed with Somerville, it is poised to address the other side of the regulations set, leaning on his experience in helping define the previous era of F1 aerodynamics during nearly five years working for the championship itself.

The FIA confirmed that he will be placed on gardening leave for a period of time, but it is not yet clear how long that will last.

"We can confirm that Jason Somerville, Head of Aerodynamics, will be leaving the FIA," the governing body announced.

"Jason will serve his full notice period, including gardening leave. During this transition, Jason will dedicate his time to non-sensitive, non-F1 projects.

"Access to sensitive and confidential information has been adjusted accordingly, in line with our standard off-boarding procedures.

"We would like to thank Jason for his invaluable contribution to the organisation and wish him well in the next chapter of his career."

Alpine has endured a difficult campaign. With three rounds to run, the Team Enstone sits bottom of the constructors' championship.

Pierre Gasly has scored all 22 of its points, and it is 40 adrift of Stake in ninth. However, managing director Steve Nielsen, who has also worked at the FIA, has recently reinforced that the singular focus on next year is the predominant reason for underperformance this term.