FIA Aero Chief Somerville Steps Down Amid Alpine F1 Ties

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Jason Somerville's Departure from FIA Marks a New Chapter

Jason Somerville, the FIA's head of aerodynamics, has submitted his resignation, signaling a significant shift in the landscape of Formula 1. According to recent reports, Somerville is expected to join Alpine during the 2026 season, marking a new phase in his career. This move comes after he served as a key figure in shaping the upcoming 2026 regulations for F1.

Somerville handed in his notice last week and will now enter a six-month gardening leave period before officially joining his new team. During this time, he will remain with the FIA but will focus on projects that are unrelated to F1. The FIA has emphasized that Somerville will no longer have access to sensitive information related to rival teams, especially as they prepare for the major regulatory changes set to take effect in 2026, which include the introduction of active aerodynamics.

A New Role at Alpine

While there were initial reports suggesting that Somerville might be heading to Cadillac, it has now been confirmed that his actual destination will be Alpine once his gardening leave ends in May 2026. This potential move would see him reunite with Steve Nielsen, Alpine’s managing director, who previously worked alongside him at both the FIA and FOM.

The FIA has issued a statement confirming Somerville’s departure. “We can confirm that Jason Somerville, Head of Aerodynamics, will be leaving the FIA,” an FIA spokesperson said. “Jason will serve his full notice period including gardening leave. During this transition, Jason will dedicate his time to non-sensitive, non-F1 projects. Access to sensitive and confidential information has been adjusted accordingly, in line with our standard off-boarding procedures.”

The statement also expressed gratitude for Somerville’s contributions and wished him well in his future endeavors.

Transition of Responsibilities

It is understood that Jan Monchaux, the FIA's head of single-seaters, along with other existing personnel, will take over Somerville's previous duties in the interim. This transition ensures continuity in the FIA’s operations as they continue to work on the new regulations for 2026.

Somerville has held the position of head of aerodynamics at the FIA since February 2022. Prior to that, he served in the same role at F1 management. His career in aerodynamics includes stints at Williams, Toyota, and Lotus, where he gained valuable experience and contributed to the development of various racing technologies.

Alpine's Strategic Move

Alpine, based in Enstone, is preparing for a strategic shift that focuses heavily on the 2026 season. The team has decided to allocate all its resources towards this goal, which could result in them finishing the 2025 season in 10th place, the last position on the grid.

Looking Ahead

As the Formula 1 community awaits further confirmation of Somerville’s move, the implications of his departure from the FIA and potential arrival at Alpine are significant. His expertise in aerodynamics and his understanding of the sport’s evolving regulations make him a valuable asset to any team.

The coming months will be crucial for both the FIA and Alpine as they navigate these transitions and prepare for the challenges ahead. With the introduction of active aerodynamics and other regulatory changes, the landscape of Formula 1 is set for a transformation that will impact teams and drivers alike.

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