Alpine F1 team shaken up as CEO Laurent Rossi removed from post

The Renault-owned Alpine Formula One team has undertaken a significant management reshuffle, announcing the removal of Laurent Rossi as CEO of the brand and head of the F1 outfit. Rossi was appointed to lead the Alpine project in 2021 when Renault CEO Luca De Meo decided to rebrand the works F1 team from Renault to Alpine. Effective immediately, he has been replaced by Philippe Krief, who steps up from his role as vice president of engineering and product performance. Krief was only recently recruited from Ferrari and also held a prior position at Alfa Romeo. While this spells the end of Rossi's Alpine tenure, he will take on a new special projects position within the wider Renault group.

"I thank Laurent for his unwavering commitment over the last two years steering Alpine," stated De Meo, adding, "Laurent has set out a clear and ambitious strategy for the brand. He has put Alpine in the best possible position to achieve its long-term goals."

However, the writing has been on the wall for change at the F1 outfit. Cyril Abiteboul, who led the works Renault F1 team for years, departed just as the rebrand to Alpine took effect in early 2021 - one of De Meo's first major decisions. But Rossi's subsequent reign has been tumultuous. Despite a promising 2021 season including a first win in over five years, 2022 saw overall performance slide backwards compared to rivals like McLaren. How Rossi handled Fernando Alonso's exit also triggered upheaval, as reserve Oscar Piastri sensationally tweeted he wouldn't drive for Alpine in 2023 contrary to the team's statements.

Rossi recruited Otmar Szafnauer from Aston Martin as team principal, but seemingly without granting him full authority. With Alpine sliding further behind Aston Martin in 2023 testing, change was required. Rossi's controversial media comments likely did not help his cause. While the future is unclear, Alpine will hope this significant management shake-up can resuscitate their F1 fortunes.

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