(Motorsports news) Following the announcement of his departure on Friday, Szafnauer spent his final weekend with Alpine at Spa after 18 months as the team’s manager. He will be temporarily succeeded by Bruno Famin, who also serves as Alpine’s vice president of motorsport. Szafnauer bid his teammates a tearful farewell in the garage and motorhome following Sunday’s race before leaving for the airport. On Monday, his employment will come to an end.

Just before he departed the paddock, Szafnauer told, “For me personally, I’ll be alright and I’m fine. “My concern is only for the excellent men and women who work hard and do a fantastic job at Enstone and Viry. I wish them well in the future. “I was just getting going, getting to know everyone, learning how to inspire them. You know how they say that a rising tide lifts all boats, and I was just beginning to do that.

“There were people crying and saying goodbye, but not so much me. I assured them, “Look, I didn’t pass away; I’m still alive! “I’ll be fine,” It was a very excellent race overall, but Pierre’s chances were hampered early on when he got locked behind Piastri and fell so far behind. “I mean, he effectively ran in 18th for the most of the race. It was fantastic for him to return to the 11th spot and almost reach that position.

“So, competing with McLaren, a sprint podium and big points in Spa. When they were fighting with us two races ago, everyone was saying, “Oh, they’re going to win the world championship now.”

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