Alpine F1 Team Managing Director Steve Nielsen has adopted a cautious approach to predicting the team’s future success, emphasizing the importance of a well-structured organization and the right personnel in key roles. The French team has undergone significant changes since its rebranding from Renault to Alpine in 2021, including a major reshuffle of its management, with Flavio Briatore returning as de facto team principal and Nielsen joining as managing director in September.
Nielsen’s approach marks a departure from the team’s previous 100-race plan, which aimed to achieve success by 2024 or 2025. However, the team’s dismal performance in the 2025 season, finishing 10th in the constructors’ standings, has prompted a reevaluation of its strategy. Nielsen believes in focusing on building a strong foundation, rather than setting unrealistic timelines. “I believe you put the best people you can get in the right positions, you give a clear mission, get the army marching all in the same direction, and you work as hard as you can and do the best job you can,” he stated.
As the team prepares for the 2026 season, which will introduce new regulations, Nielsen acknowledges that it is difficult to predict where Alpine will stand in the competitive order. The team will be switching to a Mercedes power unit, having ceased production of its own Renault engines. Despite the uncertainty, Nielsen is confident that the team’s car will be improved compared to the 2025 model. “I can tell you we’re building a better car next year than we have this year. I can’t tell you whether that will line up first, 10th or 20th on the grid,” he said.
Nielsen’s priorities include strengthening the team’s structure and addressing weaknesses through targeted recruitment. He recognizes that turning the team’s fortunes around will be a gradual process, requiring more than just a few months or a year. As Alpine embarks on this new chapter, Nielsen’s pragmatic approach and focus on building a solid foundation will be crucial in determining the team’s future success in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
