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Major Blow for Alpine F1 as Alonso’s Close Aide Parts Ways After Hungarian GP Win

Published 08/10/2021, 4:24 AM EDT

Alpine are still overjoyed from their victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, courtesy of Esteban Ocon. However, there is sad news for the French team as Rémi Taffin, a vital team member of the engine department, has parted ways.

The French boss left the Enstone-based team on good terms. Taffin has been with the team since 1999; hence, it would be a big blow for Alpine as they progress through this season.

Shockwaves at Alpine as a major boss leaves

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Taffin was the race engineer of Ricardo Zonta during his days at British American Racing. He also worked at Jos Verstappen at Arrows. The Frenchman has worked with world champion drivers, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso who won back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006.

In the year 2009, Taffin worked in a different sector of the team, which focused on performance. His work at Renault helped Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel win four world championships, as they were using the French team’s power units back then.

2016 saw Taffin head the Viry-Châtillon plant, a place where the Renault engine is developed. The team didn’t adjust to the hybrid era well, but seeing Ocon take the chequered flag at the Hungaroring gave the French team hope.

Hence, with Taffin’s departure, it’s no surprise that the Enstone-based team will be looking to replace him as quickly as possible. However, they haven’t confirmed anyone yet.

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How is the French team doing this season?

When the team transformed from Renault to Alpine this season, they were optimistic. They had signed two-time world champion, Alonso, to replace Daniel Ricciardo, who was bound for McLaren.

They were hoping that Alonso would team up with Ocon and bring success to the French team. So far this year, the team has done quite well, but know they can achieve better results as the season moves forward.

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Alpine have one win under their belt, which they took at Budapest, and currently sit in fifth place with seventy-seven points. With the upcoming race at Spa for the Belgium GP, Alonso and Ocon are hoping to bag some more points for the French team this year, and aim to find success without Taffin.

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Written by:

Arpit Gomes is an F1 author at EssentiallySports. Currently pursuing his Journalism degree from Xavier’s Institute, he is a big fan of McLaren and their driver Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo. Arpit always looks forward to the paddock moving to Spa and drivers dealing with the exciting Eau Rouge corner as well the straight at Monza.

Major Blow for Alpine F1 as Alonso’s Close Aide Parts Ways After Hungarian GP Win

Shockwaves at Alpine as a major boss leaves

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How is the French team doing this season?