Overview
- Alpine said Somerville has started in a newly created deputy technical director role that reports to executive technical director David Sanchez.
- He left his post as the FIA’s head of aerodynamics after a six-month gardening leave, a standard cooling-off period used to protect sensitive data.
- The FIA reassigned his projects, including some to single-seater chief Jan Monchaux, and has added staff to its London aerodynamics group.
- Somerville reunites with managing director Steve Nielsen and returns to Alpine’s Enstone base after earlier spells at Lotus, Toyota, Williams, and Formula One Management.
- Alpine has begun 2026 as the leading midfield outfit in fifth in the constructors’ standings after four rounds with 23 points from Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto.