Alpine reshuffles F1 technical department for 2022 season

As part of a planned winter overhaul, former technical director (chassis) Pat Fry has been promoted to the role of chief technical officer, while Matt Harman has been appointed technical director. 

The changes follow the departure of Marcin Budkowski from his position as executive director last month. 

Alpine says the restructure is designed to maximise the team’s performance as it bids to capitalise on the 2022 regulation overhaul to fast-track its quest to return to winning ways in F1. 

Last year, Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi outlined a timeframe for the rebranded Enstone-based squad to fight for the world championship within 100 races. 

In his new role as CTO, Fry will oversee all technical activities in Enstone and will be responsible for setting the performance target of the car, as well as the team’s development strategy. 

Former engineering director Harman will take responsibility for delivering performance and experiments to the track and structuring the technical organisation and processes. 

Harman also boasts a wealth of experience from his previous 18-year spell working at Mercedes AMG HPP between 2000-2018, something Alpine believes will be vital as it introduces a newly-developed engine for 2022. 

“We are considerably strengthening Alpine F1 Team by having Pat and Matt at the helm of Engineering in Enstone,” said Rossi. 

“Pat is one of the most experienced engineers in Formula 1, while Matt’s drive and expertise will prove critical in extracting the full potential of our race cars, thanks in particular to his unique expertise combining chassis and engine development.”

Otmar Szafnauer has been strongly linked to joining Alpine, potentially in a team principal role, following his exit from Aston Martin at the start of this year.