The French team brought in an engineer with a long track record at the Orange team as part of its technical reinforcement strategy ahead of the new 2026 regulations
His role will be crucial: from designing individual components to managing complex systems such as engine, suspension, and aerodynamics. He will also have an active role during the Grands Prix, adjusting setups and analyzing data alongside the drivers.
At McLaren, Bray was key in innovation projects that contributed to the competitiveness of Lando Norris's and Oscar Piastri's single-seaters. Now, his experience will be vital for an Alpine that this year is suffering from recurring mechanical failures, like those that affected Colapinto in Spain, Great Britain, and Hungary, and is already planning for the arrival of Mercedes engines in 2026.
Bray's addition comes alongside that of Steve Nielsen, the new team principal starting from the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, who will replace Oliver Oakes. A longtime acquaintance of Flavio Briatore, Nielsen was at Renault during the golden era with Fernando Alonso's titles in 2005 and 2006.
With a difficult present, Alpine is last in the Constructors' standings, the strategy is clear: surround itself with experienced figures from top teams to regain ground in the new era of Formula 1.
Alpine is going through a transitional period in Formula 1. Aware that 2025 will be a year of endurance rather than results, the team of Franco Colapinto is focusing on rebuilding for the future. In this context, it hired Oliver Bray, lead mechanical design engineer who worked for eight years at McLaren, a team currently dominating the championship.
"I'm pleased to share that I'm starting a new position as Lead Mechanical Design Engineer at Alpine," Bray announced on his LinkedIn profile, where he highlighted his two decades of experience in the automotive industry and F1.
"I'm motivated to explore and develop technical solutions... to empower and nurture team members so they can reach their full potential," he added.
