Budkowski leaves Alpine F1 team with immediate effect

Alpine has confirmed that Marcin Budkowski has left his position as executive director with immediate effect.

The French team said in a statement that Budkowski’s role would temporarily be filled by Laurent Rossi to allow the team to focus on its preparations for the 2022 season.

“I would like to thank Marcin Budkowski for his commitment and contribution to the team’s results over the last four years,” Rossi said in a team statement.

“The team is fully focused on getting the car ready for the first race in Bahrain and deliver a step beyond in performance.”

Budkowski filled the role of executive director for Alpine following the team’s transformation from Renault and the departure of ex-team boss Cyril Abiteboul.

Ahead of the 2021 season, Alpine’s leadership group increased further with the addition of ex-Suzuki MotoGP boss Davide Brivio, who joined the team as racing director.

There were also rumours at the Brazilian Grand Prix that recent departure from Aston Martin Otmar Szafnauer could be in line for a position at Alpine though he strenuously denied any talks with the team in São Paulo.

“I truly enjoyed being part of the leadership team of Renault then Alpine F1 Team, working with such a talented and dedicated group of people,” Budkowski said of his leaving the team.

“I will be watching the team’s progress fondly in the seasons to come.”