Alpine has faced difficulties with its redesigned A524 vehicle. Pierre Gasly is confident that Alpine made the “correct decision” to completely overhaul its car concept for the 2024 Formula 1 season, despite a disappointing performance. After reaching a plateau with its previous approach and dropping two positions to sixth place in the previous season, Alpine chose to undergo a thorough transformation with the A524. However, the team did not anticipate finishing last in Bahrain, although it did warn that it would face challenges as it familiarized itself with the revised package in the early races. Since then, Alpine’s prospects have not significantly improved, as the team currently sits in eighth place in the Constructors’ Championship with only 11 points from 14 events.
Nevertheless, Gasly maintains that Alpine made the right decision to change its development direction in response to the dissatisfaction with its previous performance. He believes that the decision was motivated by performance concerns. Gasly explained, “Last year, the team realized that they had reached the limit of their car concept’s development. As we failed to meet our targets, they asked themselves, ‘Do we want to spend another year knowing that we will likely remain stuck where we are?'” Gasly supports the team’s choice to try something different, stating, “In my opinion, it was the correct decision. We did not join Formula 1 to be content with sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship.”
Unfortunately, it seems that Alpine is destined to finish the season in a disappointing eighth position, as Haas currently holds seventh place with a more competitive VF-24 car and a 16-point lead. However, Gasly, who has extended his contract with Alpine, remains optimistic about the team’s future. He believes that the behind-the-scenes work at the Anglo-French team will lead to a much stronger performance in 2025. Gasly acknowledged, “Regrettably, the car concept we adopted this year did not yield the desired results. Nevertheless, I still believe that the team’s operations have improved since I joined.” He added, “It is now a matter of translating that improved performance to the car, which is undoubtedly challenging. However, I am aware that we already have promising plans for next season, which will put us in a better position. With the right processes, personnel, and the foundation that has been established and maintained, I am confident that positive outcomes will emerge.”
Photo from Pierre Gasly Instagram
