Former FIA head of aerodynamics Jason Somerville has left his governing‑body role to join the Alpine Formula 1 team. After a six‑month gardening leave, during which he worked on non‑sensitive FIA projects, the Briton assumes the newly created deputy technical director role, reporting to technical chief David Sanchez. He reunites with managing director Steve Nielsen, a former colleague at the FIA, underscoring Alpine's push for aerodynamic depth.

Somerville arrives at Enstone after years at the FIA defining the 2026 rulebook and stints with FOM, Williams, Toyota and Lotus. Alpine, fifth after four races with 23 points from Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, leads the midfield. His aero know‑how bolsters a team already extracting performance under regulations, and the outfit hopes his insight will shorten the learning curve as rivals refine their 2026 packages.

Somerville said he is eager to return to a team environment and chase milliseconds on the track. His presence gives Alpine a proven regulator‑to‑team pipeline, potentially accelerating development of its 2026 chassis. With the midfield battle tightening, the Briton’s appointment could translate into tangible gains as the French outfit strives for podium finishes this season.