Alpine has announced that Marcin Budkowski has left his role as the Formula 1 team’s Executive Director with immediate effect.
Budkowski joined the squad under its Renault guise at the end of 2017, in a move that caused controversy, having previously worked at the FIA.
He held roles at Prost, Ferrari and McLaren prior to his stint at Formula 1’s governing body.
Budkowski’s role became more prominent ahead of 2021, following the departure of Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul, but on Thursday his exit from the team was confirmed.
Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi is set to take on Budkowski’s responsibilities on a temporary basis.
“I truly enjoyed being part of the leadership team of Renault then Alpine, working with such a talented and dedicated group of people,” said Budkowski.
“I will be watching the team’s progress fondly in the seasons to come.”
Added Rossi: “I would like to thank Marcin for his commitment and contribution to the team’s results over the last four years.
“The team is fully focused on getting the car ready for the first race in Bahrain and deliver a step beyond in performance.”
Alpine finished fifth in last year’s Constructors’ Championship, with Esteban Ocon claiming the operation’s maiden victory following its rebranding.
Budkowski’s departure ostensibly opens a senior management figure at the Enstone-based team.
Otmar Szafnauer had previously been linked with Alpine, a rumour he denied last November; Szafnauer left Aston Martin last week.
Szafnauer looked silly when he left Aston last week after repeated strenuous denials that it was going to happen. If he now turns up at Alpine, he will look silly again for denying that too. He would have been better off simply replying no comment, because it wasn’t as if his denials were ever likely to prevent the rumours being reported. When not in a position where it is possible to tell the truth, say nothing.
If I’ve learnt one thing about F1 this year it’s that F1 teams LOVE glowing sticks of light