Bob Bell, a key figure in Alpine’s championship-winning past, has departed from his advisory role with the team as they grapple with a challenging start to the 2024 season.
Bell, who served as technical director during Renault’s title-winning campaigns with Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006, had transitioned into an advisory capacity since 2018. However, his exit marks another setback for Alpine amidst their current struggles on the grid.
The 65-year-old engineer is poised to join Aston Martin in an operational role, reuniting with Alonso in the process. Alpine confirmed the departure as a mutual agreement, highlighting Bell’s part-time involvement with the team’s non-technical projects, particularly in Alpine Labs.
Bob Bell’s departure adds to a string of recent exits from Alpine, including technical director Matt Harman and head of aerodynamics Dirk de Beer. Their departures prompted a reshuffling within Alpine’s technical management.
Alpine, owned by Renault, has faced difficulties with an underperforming car that lacks down force and features the least powerful engine on the grid. This has translated to poor qualifying and race results, with drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly struggling at the back of the grid in the season opener in Bahrain.
Despite Bell’s departure, Alpine remains committed to addressing their challenges and improving their performance on the track.
