Alpine F1 Team Appoints Steve Nielsen as New Team Manager
The Alpine Formula 1 team is poised to announce the appointment of Steve Nielsen as its new team manager. At 60 years old, Nielsen brings extensive experience to the role, having been involved in F1 since 1986, starting as a truck driver and progressing to key positions with teams including Lotus, Tyrrell, Honda, and Arrows. He is especially recognized for his impactful tenure at Benetton under Flavio Briatore.
Nielsen’s hiring comes in the wake of Oliver Oakes’ unexpected departure from the team following the Miami Grand Prix, which coincided with legal issues surrounding his brother. Oakes’ resignation left a crucial gap that Alpine is keen to fill with Nielsen, a respected figure in the paddock.
Flavio Briatore, now serving as an executive advisor for Alpine, is notably pursuing stability within the team as it navigates these changes. Nielsen will adopt responsibilities akin to a traditional team principal, reporting directly to Briatore.
Previously, Nielsen held similar roles at Toro Rosso and Williams and most recently served as sporting director for the FIA before resigning just 11 months into that position. The conditions surrounding his exit remain unclear and come amid a period of political instability within the FIA, following accusations against FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding alleged interference in race outcomes.
Particularly pertinent is whether Nielsen will require a valid FIA licence to take on his new responsibilities, complicating matters due to his previous relationship with the governing body.
As negotiations regarding Nielsen’s official title progress, clarity on his exact role is expected soon, crucial for the team’s future direction.
