Gasly pays tribute to ‘honest and transparent’ Famin

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Pierre Gasly paid tribute to outgoing Alpine team principal Bruno Famin, acknowledging the Frenchman's contribution to the Enstone outfit during a period of significant turmoil and upheaval.

Famin's departure, announced ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, marks the latest in a series of high-profile exits from the Alpine management structure that have taken place in the past twelve months.

The 62-year-old engineer and vice-president of Alpine Motorsports took the reins of the manufacturer’s F1 team a year ago, after the Enstone squad parted ways with former team boss Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane.

Over the past year, following lackluster results on the track, Famin has overseen a series of internal changes, particularly within Alpine’s technical department, including the departures of key technical figures such as Matt Harman and Dirk de Beer, and the arrival of former Ferrari engineer David Sanchez.

Despite the instability, Gasly has maintained a positive outlook, praising Famin's leadership qualities.

Read also: Alpine confirms Oakes as new F1 team principal

“Well, first of all, I want to thank Bruno,” the Alpine charger said last weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, following the announcement of Famin relinquishing his rome of team principal.

“It’s been a really good relationship with him for the time that I’ve spent in the team with him. He’s very honest, very transparent.

“He’s still going to remain in the Alpine family, through a different role obviously, [but] I just want to thank him for his work and wish him all the best for the future.”

Alpine confirmed on Wednesday that Oliver Oakes, the 36-year-old founder of highly successful junior single-seater team Hitech Grand Prix, will take over from Famin at the end of F1’s summer break.

Famin is expected to move back to Viry-Châtillon, Renault’s engine department, to oversee the unit’s restructuring following the manufacture’s decision – which has yet to be confirmed – to abandon its F1 power unit plans for 2026.

Financial efficiency reasons have compelled Renault to consider ditching its programme and signing an engine supply deal with an outside partner – likely Mercedes.

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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.