BRENDAN LINES January 18, 2022

FOUR-time Formula 1 world champion Alain Prost has unceremoniously split from Alpine criticising the team and its announcement, potentially making way for a key appointment as the team’s preseason management re-shuffle continues.

Prost had joined the Enstone-Viry based team as Renault in an advisory role in 2017, the Frenchman remained with the team when it re-branded as Alpine for the 2021 season.

It was reported by the F1.com website, senior management had decided against renewing the deal, although Prost claimed he had rejected an offer by the team.

“I am very disappointed how this new has been announced today!” Prost said on his social media.

“It was agreed that we would announce together with Alpine.

“No respect sorry! I have refused the offer made to me in Abu Dhabi for the 2022 season because of a personal relationship and I was right! 

“To the Enstone and Viry team I will miss you.”

The 66-year-old had been with the team during his Formula 1 driving career from 1981 to 1983.

Prost’s departure is part of a revolving door in the team’s management structure as executive director and acting team principle Marcin Budkowski left just days before — almost a year to the day of former team principal Cyril Abiteboul’s exit.

Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi is reported to have stepped into the role of team principal for the interim.

Recently departed Aston Martin team principal Otmar Szafnauer has been linked to Alpine as Budkowski’s replacement. 

Szafnauer could bring Aston Martin and its former guise Racing Point title sponsor BWT with him.