Alpine Formula 1 boss announces early updates for Chinese Grand Prix
Alpine Formula 1 team boss Bruno Famin has announced that the team has introduced its latest updates for the Chinese Grand Prix earlier than expected. The Enstone-based team had predicted a tough start to the 2024 season due to the transition to a new car concept. However, Famin admitted to being shocked when both cars qualified at the back of the grid in Bahrain and failed to score points in the first four races. Alpine has been struggling with an uncompetitive and overweight A524 charger, but the recent updates aim to improve aerodynamics and reduce excessive weight. Famin stated that both factories are working tirelessly to improve the team’s performance, with new developments planned for the Chinese race.
“We are pushing hard in both factories,” Famin said. “In Viry, we are focusing on energy management, which is crucial for performance within the regulations. And in Enstone, our main focus is on aerodynamics and understanding the tires. We are fully committed to developing a better car.”
Alpine originally planned to introduce more updates in Miami next month, but they were accelerated to allow a driver to receive them in Shanghai. Famin revealed that the team has been working tirelessly and managed to bring an update to a car this weekend, one race ahead of schedule. The opening races of the season have been disastrous for Alpine, resulting in the resignations of Technical Director Matt Harman and Chief Aerodynamicist Dirk de Beer. The team has now implemented a three-pronged technical structure, inspired by McLaren’s successful turnaround last year. Famin, who has taken on a permanent role as head of Alpine, is determined to overhaul the team’s underperforming operation.
“My role is to restructure the team,” explained Famin. “I spent the last two years in Viry and now I’m in Enstone. We need to change our working methods to develop our car more effectively. We need to be more agile and efficient. There is a lot of work to be done. We have already made some changes in our technical organization, as you may have seen in recent weeks. My job is to bring it all together and make the necessary changes. We need to change the team’s mentality, motivate everyone, and improve our processes and organization.”
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