Alpine and executive director Budkowski part ways

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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.

Read also: Otmar Szafnauer's path to Formula 1 success and survival

"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...

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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.