The FIA's head of aerodynamics Jason Somerville has handed in his notice, with Motorsport.com understanding the aero chief is set to join Alpine during the 2026 season.
Somerville, who as head of aero played an important part in defining F1's new 2026 regulations, handed in his notice last week and will commence a six-month gardening leave period before joining his new employer.
Amid reports elsewhere of Somerville joining Cadillac, Motorsport.com understands his actual destination will instead be Alpine once his gardening leave ends in May 2026.
If confirmed, Somerville would be reunited with Alpine's managing director Steve Nielsen, with the pair having worked alongside each other at both the FIA and FOM.
During his notice period Somerville will remain part of the FIA but will be working on projects unrelated to F1. The FIA explained it would ensure Somerville will no longer have access to sensitive information related to rival F1 teams, as they gear up for 2026's wholesale regulation changes which includes the introduction of active aerodynamics.
“We can confirm that Jason Somerville, Head of Aerodynamics, will be leaving the FIA," an FIA spokesperson told Motorsport.com. "Jason will serve his full notice period including gardening leave. During this transition, Jason will dedicate his time to non-sensitive, non-F1 projects. Access to sensitive and confidential information has been adjusted accordingly, in line with our standard off-boarding procedures.
"We would like to thank Jason for his invaluable contribution to the organisation and wish him well in the next chapter of his career.”
It is understood the FIA's head of single-seaters Jan Monchaux and other existing FIA personnel will take over Somerville's previous duties in the meantime.
Somerville served as the FIA's head of aero since February 2022, joining from performing the same role at F1 management. The Briton previously completed stints in the aero departments of Williams, Toyota and Lotus.
When approached by Motorsport.com, Alpine declined to comment on the matter.
The Enstone-based outfit looks set finish the 2025 season in 10th and last place, with the squad having made a conscious decision to shift all of its resources to 2026 at an early stage.
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