FIA confirms departure of key figure ahead of 2026 rule changes

Somerville, who joined the motorsport regulatory body in 2022, is said to have handed in his resignation with the 2026 rule changes on the horizon.

The FIA confirmed his departure via a spokesperson but did not indicate what his next role within the sport will be.

The former Williams Racing aerodynamist, one of the key figures behind the current ground-effect car aerodynamics rules, is expected to begin a mandatory six-month gardening leave, making his earliest possible return to the sport in May 2026.

Earlier, it was reported that Somerville was linked with a switch to Cadillac, a move that would have seen him team up with the American outfit, which is preparing its entry into Formula 1 for the 2026 campaign.

However, fresh indications suggest a move to the American team may no longer be on the cards, with another team emerging as a more likely destination.

GPblog understands Somerville appears to be edging closer to a move to the Alpine outfit, the Enstone-based team that has its sights set on improving its 2026 campaign.

If Somerville joins Alpine, he will reunite with the team’s managing director, Steve Nielsen, with whom he previously worked at the FIA. Nielsen left his role as sporting director at the governing body in December 2023 and took up a role at the French outfit in July 2025.

Somerville boasts an impressive resume, having worked across several F1 teams, including Williams, Lotus, and Toyota.

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