The head of aerodynamics at the FIA, Jason Somerville, has submitted his resignation, as it is understood the aero chief is about to joinAlpine during the 2026 season.
Somerville, who led the aero department and was instrumental in shaping F1’s upcoming 2026 rules, submitted his resignation last week and will enter a six-month period of gardening leave before starting at his new company.
Amid other reports suggesting Somerville is set to join Cadillac, it is understood that his true destination will be Alpine once his period of gardening leave concludes in May 2026.
If verified, Somerville would be reconnected with Alpine’s managing director Steve Nielsen, as the two have collaborated at both the FIA and FOM.
During his notice period, Somerville will continue to be affiliated with the FIA but will focus on initiatives that are not connected to F1. The FIA stated it will make sure Somerville loses access to confidential information pertaining to competing F1 teams as they prepare for the major regulatory updates in 2026, which involve the implementation of active aerodynamics.
We can confirm that Jason Somerville, the Head of Aerodynamics, is departing from the FIA,” stated an FIA representative. “Jason will complete his full notice period, which includes a gardening leave. Throughout this transition, he will focus on non-sensitive, non-F1 initiatives. Access to sensitive and confidential information has been modified as per our usual off-boarding protocols.
We appreciate Jason for his significant input to the company and hope he succeeds in the upcoming phase of his professional journey.
It is known that Jan Monchaux, the FIA’s head of single-seaters, along with other current FIA staff, will assume Somerville’s former responsibilities for the time being.
Somerville was the FIA’s aero chief since February 2022, moving from a similar position at F1 management. The British national had earlier worked in the aero departments ofWilliams, Toyota and Lotus.
When contacted by, Alpine chose not to respond to the issue.
The team based in Enstone appears poised to conclude the 2025 season in 10th and final position, as the group has chosen to redirect all its efforts towards 2026 from an early point.
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