Alpine Formula 1 team boss, Bruno Famin, asks for patience regarding the team’s performance in 2024, as they expect to have a slow start. After finishing fourth in 2022, Alpine had a difficult season last year and dropped to sixth place. The team has completely revamped their car for 2024, the A524, and acknowledges that they may face difficulties at the beginning of the season. Pre-season tests showed Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly in 16th and 17th places, respectively, in the overall timing charts, confirming the team’s cautious approach.
Famin emphasized that the team’s development throughout the season is more important than achieving a specific position in the Constructors’ Championship. He stated that the goal this year is to create a positive momentum in improving the car and the team as a whole, both on and off the track. Famin believes that the current state of the car is not as important as the ability to develop it together with the team and the factories. The focus is on continuous improvement and everyone working towards that goal.
Alpine explained that the decision to extensively revamp their car was due to a development limit with their previous concept. However, during testing, the A524 appeared heavy, potentially exceeding the minimum weight limit. Famin acknowledged the importance of weight in performance and mentioned that finding the right balance is a constant challenge. Even when a car is underweight, adjustments are still needed to improve weight distribution.
Famin remains hopeful that Alpine can be competitive in the midfield, but admits that the extent of the work required by the team will only become clear after the first race. The new car has undergone significant changes in various areas, including chassis, suspension, and aerodynamics. The team’s goal is to address the weaknesses of the previous car and they eagerly await the next race to assess their progress.
