Zidane’s new job in Formula One

He was introduced as an ambassador for the French team.

Alpine presented in London the A523, the team’s new single-seater for the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship. The French team even presented two different liveries – one of them for the first three Grands Prix of the season – but this was not the only presentation that took place on Thursday evening.

Zinedine Zidane was introduced as Alpine’s new ambassador and will promote equal opportunities in sport and the automotive industry.

“It is important that we tell children that whatever their backgrounds, they can one day become the champions of tomorrow, and that they should always believe in their dreams. This Alpine project helps make this possible,” explained Zinedine Zidane.

The former football player and coach will be linked to the Rac(H)er programme, which aims to strengthen diversity in motor sport, in particular the inclusion of women in motor racing, and the Concours Excellence Mécanique programme, which aims to find talented young people linked to car mechanics.

Without a club at the moment, could this ambassadorial role delay his return to the bench? Zidane clarifies that one thing does not prevent the other and that his return is coming soon.

“That is provided for in my agreement with Alpine. If I have to commit tomorrow [to a club], that won’t stop me from continuing to work with the team. (…) To return remains my desire. Today I have time available, but I don’t know how long it will last. I have time now, maybe until June, but it could also be quicker,” revealed the 50-year-old Frenchman.