As anticipated for some time, British engineer Jason Somerville will take up his duties from May 15 at Enstone and will report directly to David Sanchez, executive technical director.
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Alpine F1 Team officially announced this Friday the appointment of Jason Somerville as deputy technical director, thus confirming the rumors.
This arrival is part of the French team’s desire to continue strengthening its technical structure.
New position for a former team member
This is a return to Enstone for the English engineer, who had already worked within the aerodynamics department of the team between 2010 and 2011. Arriving in Formula 1 with Williams in 1999, he then joined Toyota Racing in 2003, where he gradually climbed the ranks to the position of deputy director of aerodynamics.
After his first stint at Enstone, Somerville returned to Williams to lead the aerodynamics department before joining FOM (Formula One Management), where he participated in the development of the technical regulations introduced in 2022. That same year, he then joined the FIA as head of aerodynamics, overseeing several regulatory cycles aimed at improving the spectacle in Formula 1.
The creation of the position of deputy technical director responds to Alpine’s ambition to further strengthen its team of top designers and technicians in order to continue its progress in this new era. Since the start of the season, the French team has shown encouraging signs. Fifth in the constructors’ championship after four Grands Prix with 23 points scored, Alpine is having its best start in several years and has already surpassed its total points from the entire 2025 season.
Accelerating aero development
Thanks to his recognized expertise in aerodynamics, Somerville’s mission will be to support the development of the current car while contributing to the team’s future technical projects. After several strategic recruitments made last summer and retaining key profiles, this appointment confirms the positive momentum driven by executive advisor Flavio Briatore and general manager Steve Nielsen.
“I am very happy to return to Enstone and work with Flavio, Steve, and David in this new role,” explains Somerville. “It has been several years since I stepped away from the heart of competition within a team. I am eager to dive back into this environment, to chase thousandths, to fight for points and, hopefully, victories. I look forward to joining this talented group of engineers, designers, and aerodynamicists to contribute to the team’s future successes.”
David Sanchez (on the right in the photo above) also welcomed this arrival: “We are delighted to welcome a personality of Jason’s caliber and experience to continue our progress. The work accomplished since the start of the season is very encouraging, but we know this is just the beginning. His arrival will allow us to take a new step in this ongoing race for development in Formula 1.”
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