Since Oliver Oakes left Alpine in May, just as Franco Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan and returned to Formula 1, the team’s structure was left without an official leader on paper. However, Flavio Briatore, in his role as advisor, took control and became the figure setting the direction within the team.
In September, Steve Nielsen joined as general manager and has now made it clear that “Flavio is the leader,” while he has taken charge of the team’s factory in England. “I run Enstone and everything that comes with it, and that’s how we move forward,” he acknowledged in an interview with Motorsport.
As things stand, Nielsen has taken on the responsibility of managing the day-to-day operations and publicly representing Alpine, but at the same time made it clear that Briatore is the one making the most important decisions. Among these, of course, is whether Colapinto will remain as a driver alongside Pierre Gasly in 2026.
At Benetton and during the golden era with the double championship in 2005 and 2006 with Fernando Alonso at Renault, Nielsen worked at Enstone as sporting director. “It feels a bit like going back to the old school,” he described, while also emphasizing that now, with time having passed, “there’s a lot to learn.”
“Some areas are immediately familiar, but they seem a bit smaller than I remembered. At the same time, there are new things. It’s really nice to be here again. I’ve been very warmly welcomed. I’m meeting old acquaintances, but also many new faces, which is also good,” he added.
After a few weeks in the role, Nielsen highlighted the team’s potential. “Enstone is a fantastic place with a lot of talent,” he said, although he admitted—and it’s obvious—that the current results don’t reflect that. But 2026 is looking promising for Alpine, with the Mercedes engine, the new regulations… and Colapinto? It seems so.