Alpine sack another top chief as Ryan Reynolds' F1 team's turmoil worsens

31 May 2024 , 10:11

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Alpine have announced another staff departure (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Alpine have sacked another top chief in the latest exit from the struggling Formula 1 team.

Rob White had spent 20 years working for parent company Renault and its F1 team in various guises. Latterly, he was operations director at the Enstone squad.

But, as reported by BBC Sport, he was this week informed that his services would no longer be required. Team principal Bruno Famin made the decision and told staff at the Oxfordshire factory of the change on Wednesday. An Alpine spokesperson said the move was "part of a long-term plan".

They said: "As part of the team's wider operational restructure, we can confirm the departure of Rob White. The team is thankful for Rob's efforts during his long career both at Enstone and at Viry-Chatillon, where he led the championship-winning engine project in 2005 and 2006. We wish him the best in his future endeavours."

White had been with Renault since 2004, having initially worked at the carmaker's facility in Viry, France, as deputy managing director of engines. He brought a wealth of experience having previously headed engine manufacturer Cosworth's operation.

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Alpine have struggled for momentum in recent times. They finished fourth in the constructors' championship in 2022 and looked well placed to take the fight to the 'big three' - but have since regressed and have scored just two points in a wretched 2024 season to date.

Their efforts have not been helped by a steady stream of departures including some of their most influential figures. Two years ago, multiple F1 champion Alain Prost acrimoniously left his position as a director of the team - one of the first major steps in an exodus of talent since.

Famin was appointed as vice-president of Alpine motorsport last summer and has not been afraid to swing the axe since. He installed himself as team principal after previous incumbent Otmar Szafnauer was let go mid-season, along with long-serving sporting director Alan Permane, after a disagreement with the Renault hierarchy.

That came shortly after the team's CEO Laurent Rossi was also relieved of his duties. And the departures have continued this year. Technical director Matt Harman and aerodynamics chief Dirk de Beer left in early March along with design engineer Bob Bell who joined Aston Martin.

But there have also been some incomings. David Sanchez recently took the newly-created role of executive technical director after his brief spell with McLaren, while former boss Flavio Briatore is expected to rejoin Renault as a special adviser to the team.

Daniel Moxon