In a dramatic turn of events, Bruno Famin has officially exited Alpine Formula 1, marking the end of a significant chapter that spanned four years within the organization. Famin, who held various roles throughout his tenure, has made a notable impact since he first joined in early 2022 to spearhead the Renault engine program. His journey reached its pinnacle as he took the reins as Team Principal mid-2023, a position he held until his departure following the Belgian Grand Prix.
Alpine confirmed Famin's exit, emphasizing the changes within the team as they prepare for a new era. Initially appointed to oversee the development of Renault’s power unit at Viry-Châtillon, Famin's expertise as a former technical director and director at Peugeot Sport positioned him as a vital asset to the team. His ascent to Vice President of Alpine Motorsports came during a chaotic period, where he was thrust into the role to stabilize the F1 team after the departure of Otmar Szafnauer. Under the leadership of then-CEO Laurent Rossi, Famin navigated the complexities of Formula 1 during a turbulent time for Alpine.
After a year of steering the team through challenging waters, Famin's role transitioned once again as he handed over the reins to Oli Oakes in mid-2024. This shift allowed Famin to redirect his focus towards transforming Viry-Châtillon into a cutting-edge technology hub, aptly named Hypertech Alpine, as the power unit program began to phase out. His involvement didn’t stop there; he continued to play a key role in Alpine's World Endurance Championship (WEC) campaign, collaborating closely with team principal Philippe Sinault, especially as the team prepares for its anticipated exit from the championship later this year.
The announcement of Famin's departure comes ahead of the 2026 season, with sources revealing that he opted to leave the organization to pursue personal projects. Axel Plasse, who recently joined Alpine as Vice President of Hypertech Alpine and is positioned above Famin in the company structure, publicly thanked him for his invaluable contributions. “We would like to thank Bruno Famin for the work he has done and for the commitment he brought to the Alpine endurance programme,” Plasse remarked. He acknowledged Famin's pivotal role in establishing the endurance project, which culminated in impressive podium finishes and a celebrated victory at Fuji.
As Famin embarks on his new journey, the motorsport world will undoubtedly be watching closely to see where his expertise and passion will lead him next. The departure of such a seasoned figure from Alpine signals a significant shift as the organization gears up for the upcoming challenges in F1 and beyond, leaving fans to wonder what the future holds for both Famin and the team he leaves behind.
