BUDKOWSKI DEPARTS ALPINE F1 TEAM

Marcin Budkowski has departed his role as Executive Director of the Alpine Formula 1 team as the French operation continues its management restructure.

CEO Laurent Rossi has taken over the position temporarily in order to avoid disruption, given the team is in the midst of preparing for its 2022 campaign.

Budkowski leaves Alpine after three years, having crossed over from the FIA in 2018.

The 44-year-old’s exit paves the way for ex-Aston Martin Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer who is expected to assume a role with Alpine, as rumoured last year.

Rossi thanked Budkowski for his contributions to Alpine.

“I would like to thank Marcin Budkowski for his commitment and contribution to the team’s results over the last four years,” Rossi said.

“The team is fully focused on getting the car ready for the first race in Bahrain and deliver a step beyond in performance.”

Budkowski was grateful for his time at the squad.

“I truly enjoyed being part of the leadership team of Renault then Alpine F1 Team, working with such a talented and dedicated group of people,” Budkowski said.

“I will be watching the team’s progress fondly in the seasons to come.”

Rossi took over as CEO ahead of the 2021 season and has headed several changes in the running of the team since.

Former Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul left and Rossi, Budkowski and Davide Brivio, who joined from MotoGP operation Suzuki, took on team leadership under its new Alpine branding.

Alpine finished fifth in the constructors’ championship in 2021, the highlight of its season being a race win to Esteban Ocon in Hungary.

Ocon returns to his seat for 2022 alongside veteran teammate Fernando Alonso as F1 debuts its new generation cars, while young Australian Oscar Piastri will join the squad as the team’s test and reserve driver.

The season kicks off at Bahrain International Circuit on March 20.

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