The leading candidate will not be the team principal of Alpine.

      "It’s always flattering to be linked with other teams."

      A leading candidate has withdrawn from consideration for the permanent team principal position at Alpine. Following Oliver Oakes’ unexpected resignation, there were speculations about Red Bull’s long-serving team principal Christian Horner potentially moving to either Ferrari or Alpine. "It’s always flattering to be associated with other teams," the Briton remarked. "But my commitment, 100 percent, is to Red Bull. It always has been and certainly will be for the long term."

      Another individual in connection with the Alpine role is Steve Nielsen, who has a good relationship with Alpine’s acting team principal Flavio Briatore from their time at Renault. Nielsen joined the FIA as sporting director in 2023 but resigned a year later to establish a consultancy that collaborates with F1 and related businesses. The 60-year-old Briton was seen conversing with Briatore at the recent Spanish GP, where Briatore mentioned he is "looking" for a full-time team principal for Alpine.

      However, a report from the Japanese portal as-web.jp states that Briatore's efforts to recruit Nielsen have "failed." "Sources close to the team indicate that Steve Nielsen has turned down Briatore’s offer, choosing instead to remain in his role as an F1 consultant rather than going back to the Enstone-based team where he spent nearly ten years."

      The report also noted: "Sources near Nielsen say he is adjusting well to his new family and life in the south of France and has no intentions of moving back to the UK anytime soon. Nielsen has reportedly even been offered the opportunity to work as team principal remotely and only travel with the team on race weekends. However, he understands that the role necessitates a constant presence at the factory and on track, so he has opted not to accept his former boss’ offer."

      When asked about these claims, Nielsen allegedly confirmed the information but added that it is "always nice to be asked." The Japanese publication concluded by stating that the new frontrunner is Alpine sporting director Julian Rouse, despite Briatore "still seeking someone with more F1 experience."