Alpine F1 team’s journey in 2024 was a roller coaster ride that began in the pits but ended with a promising climb. They initiated the year on a low note, burdened with a hefty car that handled with the grace of a grocery cart. However, they managed to salvage the season thanks to a significant late-year upturn. As they gear up for the 2025 season, Alpine is banking on the momentum they’ve built to carry them onwards and upwards.
At the helm of this endeavor are seasoned racing veterans, Oliver Oakes and Flavio Briatore. They are well-versed in the demands of the racing world, understanding that there are no shortcuts to success. Instead, it’s a grueling grind that requires unwavering dedication, relentless commitment, and a whole lot of elbow grease.
Surveying the new Alpine A525, it initially appears to be a carbon copy of its predecessor. Save for some minor logo repositioning on the front, the initial impression screams déjà vu. The front suspension system retains the same pushrod-operated inboard design as the 2024 model, complete with comparable amounts of anti-dive on the top wishbone and a separate track rod in front of the lower wishbone forward leg.
However, closer scrutiny reveals a few notable modifications. The sidepod, for instance, sports a shallower radiator inlet that extends further around the out corner than its predecessor. The inlet’s top section remains unchanged, but the inboard vertical section and the letterbox inlet’s inner end now sit further forward.
The floor edge also showcases a handful of subtle tweaks. An opening that previously allowed airflow to connect with the inner tyre squirt has been eliminated. The floor stay, highlighted with yellow arrows, is now positioned at a less steep angle and is largely obscured by the sidepod’s rear section. The turning vanes on the floor’s outer edge have been revamped to be more aggressive, and the curved section behind them is shorter. These changes aim to increase the airflow drawn from the floor’s front corner and enhance the potential sealing along the floor edge’s rear section.
The rear suspension also mirrors the 2024 model’s pushrod-operated inboard system. However, there appears to be more anti-lift on the rear top wishbone forward leg, and the lower wishbone forward leg seems to be mounted lower on the inboard. These changes suggest significant work has been invested in the rear geometry.
Though the new Alpine A525 appears to be an evolution of its predecessor, the team has clearly implemented some strategic changes. The real test, however, will come during testing, where the car’s true capabilities will be put to the test. It’s clear that Alpine is not looking for a magic bullet, but rather a series of measured improvements to steer them towards success in 2025.
