The team is seen in a complex situation after the departure of one of its directors who contributed to the development of the 2026 car.
The Alpine team faces a new organizational crisis with the David Wheater resignationits director of aerodynamics. The output of the British specialist occurs before the Netherlands Grand Prix and adds to other significant casualties in the technical structure of the team. This situation generates uncertainty about the immediate performance of the car and the future development of the team.
Wheater arrived in Alpine in the late 2023 after almost a decade in Williams, where he accumulated key experience in aerodynamic design. His departure leaves an important vacuum in the team, especially in the planning of the 2026 car that must adapt to the new technical regulations. While looking for a replacement, Its functions will be temporarily covered by Joe Burnell in Engineering and Ciaron Pilbeam in performancealthough this solution does not completely compensate the loss of experience.
David Wheater, former Alpine
Who is David Wheater, the new Low in Alpine
David Wheater served as director of Aerodynamics in Alpine for less than a year. His incorporation into the team occurred with the Objective of improving current car’s performance and laying the basis for the development of model 2026. However, the results obtained did not meet the initial expectations, which contributed to their decision to leave the position.
The Wheater output adds to those of other key figures as Luca de Meo, former CEO of Renault, and Francis Js, historical chief of mechanics. These successive casualties reflect the internal instability that Alpine is going through in a critical moment of restructuring. The team hopes to start a new stage on September 1 with the arrival of Steve Nielsen as general director, a veteran with experience in teams such as Benetton, Toro Rosso and Williams, in addition to his passage through Liberty Media and the FIA.
When Franco Colapinto runs: days and schedules in Argentina
The schedule to follow the activity of collapint in the Netherlands:
Friday 29/8
- Practice 1: 7.30 am
- Practice 2: 11.00 hs
Saturday 30/8
- Practice 3: 6.30 hs
- Classification: 10.00 hs
Sunday 31/8
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
