Alpine’s journey in the 2023 Formula 1 season has not been smooth sailing. The team had set its sights on retaining fourth place in the constructors’ standings, while closing the gap to top teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. However, things have not gone according to plan as Alpine currently finds itself in sixth place, lagging behind Aston Martin and McLaren. The departures of team boss Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane have also raised questions about the team’s internal dynamics.
Reports indicate that Szafnauer and Permane left the team due to disagreements with Renault’s top management regarding the timeline for achieving success. It seems that they had differing opinions on how soon the team could close the gap to its rivals. This difference in expectations may have contributed to their departures and further added to the challenges faced by Alpine this season.
The departure of Szafnauer and Permane is not the only change within the team. Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi has been reassigned to work on ‘special projects,’ while team technical director Pat Fry has agreed to join Williams for the 2024 season. These significant personnel changes raise concerns about the stability and continuity within the team.
In addition to internal challenges, Alpine has also faced struggles on the technical front. The team’s engine is believed to be lagging behind its rivals by as much as 30bhp. In an attempt to address this performance deficit, Alpine has sought the support of other teams to secure performance breaks for its engine. Closing this gap will be crucial for Alpine’s competitiveness and future success in Formula 1.
Against this backdrop, Renault boss Luca de Meo recently visited the Enstone factory to address the entire workforce. While de Meo highlighted areas for improvement, his visit served as a motivational boost for the team. Alpine driver Esteban Ocon expressed his appreciation for de Meo’s visit and emphasized that it demonstrated the CEO’s commitment to the project. Ocon believes that the team is on the right track to make the necessary improvements and achieve the desired success in the future.
Despite the challenges faced by Alpine this season, the team has experienced some positive moments on the track. Pierre Gasly secured a third-place finish in the Belgian Grand Prix sprint race and also achieved a podium finish in the Netherlands. Additionally, Alpine recorded a double points finish in Japan, albeit with some controversy surrounding team orders. These moments of success highlight the potential and capabilities of the team when everything comes together.
While Alpine has had a challenging start to the 2023 season, there is reason to remain optimistic about the team’s future. The recent changes in personnel and the visit by Renault’s CEO demonstrate a commitment to improvement and success. With a focus on addressing engine performance issues and building a strong team foundation, Alpine has the potential to overcome its challenges and compete at a higher level in Formula 1. As Esteban Ocon rightly believes, the team is on its way to achieving its goals and making strides towards a brighter future.
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