Jason Somerville, a former member of the FIA’s technical department, has joined the Alpine Formula 1 team effective immediately
Jason Somerville, the former head of aerodynamics at the FIA, is now officially part of Alpine’s Formula 1 team. He will begin his new role on May 15, 2026.
Somerville previously worked at the FIA as head of the aerodynamics department. His role at Alpine is “Deputy Technical Director.” David Sanchez remains Technical Director.
Our sister site Motorsport.com had already reported on the deal between Somerville and Alpine last November. It should be noted that Somerville is no stranger to Formula 1, even outside of his time at the FIA.
After all, the aerodynamicist had previously worked at Williams, Toyota, and Lotus. At the FIA, Somerville was responsible, among other things, for putting the current rules into place.
“I haven’t been part of a competitive motorsport team for several years,” Somerville said in the official press release. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to dive back into the thick of the action, chase milliseconds, battle our rivals for points, and hopefully win a few trophies.”
At Alpine, Somerville will be reunited with a few old colleagues. The aerodynamicist had previously worked with Managing Director Steve Nielsen at the FIA and in Formula 1 management. After his stint at Toyota, Somerville was briefly part of the Enstone team in the early 2010s.
At Williams, the 57-year-old didn’t just work on a few Formula 1 cars. For example, the 1999 Le Mans winner, the BMW V12 LMR, bears the British engineer’s signature. Touring car fans can attribute many of the characteristics of the legendary Volvo 850 from the BTCC to the aerodynamicist.
Alpine currently sits in fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship. With 23 points to its name, the team has already accumulated more points than it did in the entire 2025 season.
