Prost exits as Szafnauer edges closer to joining Alpine

Ian Parkes
Monday 17 January 2022 19:25

Alain Prost has become the latest high-profile figure to leave Alpine as the French team continues its behind-the-scenes shake-up ahead of the new F1 season.

Last week the team announced the departure of Marcin Budkowski from the role of executive director, a surprise as it had been suggested towards the end of last year that racing director Davide Brivio was likely to depart.

GPFans can confirm four-time F1 champion Prost will also now no longer be part of Alpine this year after previously serving in an advisory capacity.

Former Renault driver Prost returned to Enstone in 2015 as a consultant when the manufacturer made its full-time come back to F1 as a works outfit.

Four years later, Prost was made a non-executive director, as well as taking on the advisor role on a rolling annual contract basis.

But under CEO Laurent Rossi, it has been decided the 66-year-old's deal will not be renewed for this year.

GPFans understands Rossi is currently finalising details to bring in Otmar Szafnauer in an as-yet-unspecified position following his release by Aston Martin earlier this year from his roles as team principal and CEO.