Alpine F1 Team Managing Director Steve Nielsen takes a cautious stance on forecasting the team’s future success, stressing the need for a well‑structured organization and the right people in key roles. Since rebranding from Renault to Alpine in 2021, the French outfit has undergone major changes, including a management overhaul that saw Flavio Briatore return as de‑facto team principal and Nielsen join as managing director in September.
Nielsen’s approach diverges from the previous 100‑race plan, which aimed for success by 2024‑2025. After a disappointing 2025 season that left Alpine tenth in the constructors’ standings, the team is reassessing its strategy. Nielsen believes the focus should be on building a solid foundation rather than chasing 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 said.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, which will bring new regulations, Nielsen admits it is hard to predict Alpine’s position in the competitive order. The team will switch to a Mercedes power unit after ending production of its own Renault engines, but Nielsen remains confident that the 2026 car will be an improvement over 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 explained.
Nielsen’s priorities include strengthening the team’s structure and addressing weaknesses through targeted recruitment. He acknowledges that turning Alpine’s fortunes around will be a gradual process, requiring more than a few months or a single year. As the team embarks on this new chapter, Nielsen’s pragmatic approach and emphasis on a solid foundation will be crucial to its future success in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
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