F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Alpine and executive director Budkowski part ways

The Alpine F1 team and executive director Marcin Budkowski have announced the end of their collaboration with immediate effect.

Alpine chief executive officer Laurent Rossi will temporarily ensure the team's management during the French outfit's pre-season preparations.

"I would like to thank Marcin Budkowski for his commitment and contribution to the team’s results over the last four years," said Rossi in a statement released by Alpine on Thursday.

"The team is fully focused on getting the car ready for the first race in Bahrain and deliver a step beyond in performance."

A former member of the FIA's technical department after working as an aero engineer for Prost, Ferrari and McLaren, Budkowski was enrolled by Renault F1 from 2018 as the team's executive technical director.

He then transitioned into a day-to-day management role when he was made a director of the Alpine F1 Team in January 2021, after former Renault F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul was relieved of his position prior to the start of the 2021 season.

Budkowski worked alongside Alpine racing director Davide Brivio, with both men reporting to CEO Rossi.

"I truly enjoyed being part of the leadership team of Renault then Alpine F1 Team, working with such a talented and dedicated group of people," said Budkowski.

"I will be watching the Teams’ progress fondly in the seasons to come."

Budkowski's departure which inevitably leaves a gap in Alpine's top management could foretell the arrival at Enstone of former Aston Martin team boss Otmar Szafnauer who was rumored last November to be joining the French team.

As for Budkowski, the 44-year-old Polish engineer could simply move the other way and fill the void at Aston left by Szafnauer's exit, with the two teams executing a swap in good faith and moving on...

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

4 mins ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

2 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

3 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

4 hours ago

F1 chief Domenicali gives 2024 season a solid score

The hallowed grounds of the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Autodrome in Imola, a place deeply…

5 hours ago

Jos Verstappen predicts strain on Max and Lando’s friendship

Jos Verstappen has warned that the close friendship between his son Max and McLaren's Lando…

6 hours ago