Key FIA man resigns ahead of Las Vegas GP as move to F1 squad expected | F1 | Sport
Jason Somerville, head of aerodynamics with the FIA, has reportedly handed in his notice ahead of a move to Alpine for the 2026 season. The Brit will link up with former colleague Steve Nielsen, who is now managing director for Team Enstone.
Earlier this week, a report from Autoracer explained that Somerville, who entered F1 in the late 1990s as part of Williams’ aerodynamics department, was set to leave the FIA and join the new Cadillac squad, who have been on an intense recruitment drive since their entry onto the grid was confirmed.
However, according to Motorsport.com’s latest report, Somerville will join Alpine instead when a six-month gardening leave period comes to an end. During his notice period, he will be moved into a non-F1-related role within the FIA.
“We can confirm that Jason Somerville, Head of Aerodynamics, will be leaving the FIA,” an FIA spokesperson explained. “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. We would like to thank Jason for his invaluable contribution to the organisation and wish him well in the next chapter of his career.”
Somerville’s addition is the latest coup for an Alpine team who have significant aspirations for the new technical regulations. Pierre Gasly has already stated his plans to fight for the World Championship in 2027 and beyond, and Flavio Briatore is already hard at work trying to restore Team Enstone to the head of the midfield.
“We are here for winning,” he told The Race earlier this month, looking back at a testing 2025 season. “We are not to be a tourist to go around the world. It’s very hard, this situation for us. I’m not used to it.
“I was used to it 20 years ago, but now every Sunday is torture. You have no chance. You arrive in places and you see the mechanics put the garage together, working very hard.
“Then you watch all these people doing the best effort as possible, and you don’t have the possibility to enjoy the race, to go back home with the points. It’s very frustrating. I hope next year we pay everything back double!”
While the ambitions for 2026 and beyond are lofty, in 2025, Alpine look destined to finish last in the Constructors’ Championship standings. They trail ninth-placed Sauber by 40 points heading into the final three Grands Prix, and Franco Colapinto is still hunting his first point for the team.
