Steve Nielsen has revealed that returning to Alpine feels like “going back to an old school” as he delivers his verdict on the team’s Formula 1 operations.
Nielsen has been a veteran of the sport, having served with teams like Toro Rosso, Honda, Lotus, and Arrows in the past.
However, his most extensive stint has been with Benetton, which then transitioned to Renault (now Alpine).
In 2017, however, Nielsen decided to begin a career as F1’s Sporting Director, transitioning into the same position within the FIA in 2023.
Having left that role only 11 months into his tenure, and spending a couple of years on the sidelines, the Briton has now decided to get back into the paddock with Alpine.
Earlier this year, Nielsen was inducted into the team after Oliver Oakes’ departure.
“It’s like going back to an old school. Have you ever done that? You go back to an old school and bits of it are really familiar but a bit smaller than you remember. Bits of it are new,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“It’s been great to go back. They’ve made me feel very welcome. Some old familiar faces, lots of new faces, which is also good.”
The 61-year-old opened up about how he is still getting to grips with being back within an establishment in F1, given that he has been out of touch for almost a decade.
“But whilst I’ve been in the sport for this time I haven’t been at a team for eight years. So there’s a big part of me getting up to speed and picking up on what’s changed inside a racing team in the last eight year – and there’s an awful lot,” he admitted.
“Things like budget cap didn’t exist the last time I was part of a team. Now it does.
“And it’s really bizarre for me because I was on the other side of that at F1 in the early discussions, and then that was taken forward, implemented, and enforced by the FIA.
“So to now be on the receiving end of it is a whole new experience for me. A lot to learn on my side as well.”
Nielsen opens up on Alpine role
On paper, Nielsen’s job description has been titled ‘Managing Director’. He will be levelling up alongside the team’s Executive Advisor, Flavio Briatore.
When prompted to divulge the details of his responsibilities in the team, the Briton revealed that while Briatore will still be the one in charge, he will be focusing more on the operations back at base in Enstone.
“Flavio is the leader. I run Enstone and everything that comes with that,” Nielson explained.
“That’s how we go forward, and we’re clear internally about what those responsibilities are and how that’s carved up. That’s how we’re doing it.”
Looking forward, Nielsen was bullish about the team’s potential.
And while Alpine has been struggling for results at the moment, he is confident that the Anglo-French marque will get back to its winning ways soon.
“It’s a great place. There’s some fine talent there,” he added.
“What we put on the track at the moment doesn’t reflect the skills we have there and the facilities we have there, and it’s our job to turn that around.”
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