Alpine set to announce F1 veteran Steve Nielsen as team manager

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The Alpine F1 Team is on the verge of naming Steve Nielsen, a seasoned Formula 1 veteran, as its new team manager, according to multiple reports.

The 60-year-old Briton, known for his extensive experience across multiple teams, will reportedly assume a role akin to a traditional team principal, reporting directly to executive advisor Flavio Briatore.

The move comes as Alpine seeks stability following a turbulent period marked by the sudden exit of former team principal Ollie Oakes last month.

Nielsen’s journey in Formula 1 saw him work with Team Lotus, Tyrrell, Benetton/Renault, Honda, Arrows, Caterham, Toro Rosso and Williams, mostly in team manager or sporting director roles.

In August 2017, he left Williams to join Formula One Management as sporting director as one of the organisation’s first key hirings following its takeover by Liberty Media.

In 2023, he enjoyed a brief stint with the FIA which ended after 11 months amid controversy surrounding his departure.

Alpine Racing Director Dave Greenwood with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore.

Briatore, who has taken a hands-on role as Alpine’s executive advisor, is banking on Nielsen’s proven track record to steady the team.

Oakes’ departure in May, shortly after the Miami Grand Prix, was shrouded in mystery due to his brother William’s legal issues involving charges of transferring criminal property. While Oakes was not implicated, his exit left Alpine scrambling for leadership, prompting Briatore to turn to a trusted ally in Nielsen.

A Recent History of Management Turmoil

Alpine’s management woes extend beyond Oakes’ resignation. Over the past two years, the team has faced a revolving door of senior figures, including the exits of CEO Laurent Rossi, team principal Otmar Szafnauer, sporting director Alan Permane, and interim team boss Bruno Famin.

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The instability, coupled with lackluster on-track performance, has left Alpine struggling to find direction.

The team’s failure to secure a valid contract with Oscar Piastri in 2022, resulting in his move to McLaren, further highlighted organizational disarray. Nielsen’s appointment signals an attempt to restore order under Briatore’s oversight.

With Nielsen’s deep ties to Enstone and his reputation for operational excellence, Alpine hopes to turn the page on its recent struggles. The team has yet to confirm the appointment, but according to Motorsport.com, an announcement is imminent, setting the stage for a new chapter in Alpine’s Formula 1 journey.

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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.