Turmoil in France: 'Alpine considers new team boss'

The temperature is rising in France. Not only because of the sunny weather, but the unease at Formula 1 team Alpine is increasing by the day. The ambitious team hoped to catch up with the top three, but in reality is fighting for the last points. The management is considering making headlines, writes renowned journalist Joe Saward on his blog.

The French are currently shared fifth in the constructors' championship, with just 14 points from five races. Alpine boss Laurent Rossi is furious. He said earlier that "if they fail by giving 500% best and turning this ship around, there will be extenuating circumstances and it bodes well for the future. If not, it’s the rule of business, there’s going to be consequences. And I won’t wait until the end of the year." The team might even be (partially) up for sale. US-based AutoNation was mentioned as an interested party. The car company denied to GPblog that it was interested in a takeover. The French are still holding talks with other parties.

Alpine team boss Otmar Szafnauer is seen as ultimately responsible. The Romanian American was supposed to bring the iconic racing brand back to the top, but is not succeeding as of yet. Given Rossi's words, the pressure is rising. Joe Saward reports that a possible successor to Szafnauer has already been found. Eric Boullier is said to be mentioned within the racing stable as a possible successor. The 49-year-old Frenchman has a past as team boss at McLaren and Lotus, and was previously director of Renault F1.