Rob White Departs Alpine F1 Team Amidst Restructuring Efforts
In a significant move, Rob White, a long-serving member of the Alpine F1 team, has departed from his role as Operations Director. The news comes as the French-registered team continues to address its dismal start to the 2024 Formula 1 season, having secured only two points in the opening eight races.
White, who joined the Enstone outfit in 2016, had previously worked as the deputy managing director of engines for Renault’s powertrain arm in Viry-Chatillon. Prior to that, he was chief engineer at Cosworth during its ownership by Ford.
The Briton’s departure is part of the team’s broader operational restructuring efforts, as Alpine seeks to overcome its current struggles. In a statement, the team expressed gratitude for White’s contributions, highlighting his key role in the championship-winning engine project in 2005 and 2006.
As reported earlier, Alpine has undergone significant personnel changes, including the departures of technical director Matt Harman and chief aerodynamicist Dirk de Beer. The team has since installed a three-pronged technical leadership structure, with Bruno Famin at the helm as team principal.
Famin, who was appointed on an interim basis last year, has been working to turn the team’s fortunes around. The 2024 car’s initial struggles, including being 10kg overweight, have been addressed with a revised chassis build. However, the team still faces an uphill battle to catch up with its competitors.
Alpine’s current predicament is a far cry from its performance at the start of 2023, when it was among the top five teams. However, it was leapfrogged by Aston Martin over the winter, and McLaren’s growth throughout the season relegated Alpine to sixth in the constructors’ championship.
With Famin staying on board as team principal for 2024, the team has implemented a McLaren-influenced three-pillar technical structure. The revised setup includes Joe Burnell as technical director of engineering, David Wheater as technical director of aerodynamics, and Ciaron Pilbeam as technical director of performance.
The team’s second point of 2024 came courtesy of Pierre Gasly’s efforts at the Monaco Grand Prix, despite a dramatic opening lap incident involving Esteban Ocon. The incident saw Gasly’s car sustain damage, but a red flag allowed for repairs. Ocon’s car, however, was unable to continue due to the extent of the damage.
The incident drew a stern warning from Famin, who threatened “consequences” for Ocon’s actions.
As Alpine continues to navigate its challenging season, the departure of Rob White marks a significant shift in the team’s operational structure. With the Formula 1 calendar already underway, Alpine will be hoping to turn its fortunes around and climb up the standings.
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