Alpine enters the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend with low expectations for qualifying, predicting that they would be eliminated in Q1. However, the team was dealt a harsh blow when both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finished in 19th and 20th place.
So, what went so terribly wrong? Neither of the drivers encountered significant issues during qualifying that would explain their lack of pace. Ocon’s best lap was 0.884 seconds slower than Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari, who led Q1. Gasly was 0.155 seconds behind his teammate’s time, with his final effort compromised by traffic exiting the pits.
The lap time, 1.614 seconds behind Max Verstappen’s pole position, accurately represented the overall performance of the Alpine A542. The car itself has several issues, starting with its weight. There have been discussions that the car is 11 kg above the minimum required weight of 798 kg. Gasly acknowledges that there is a weight problem but believes that the deficit is not as severe as reported.
While there is room for improvement in terms of weight reduction and chassis performance, the team is currently working on updates that will address these concerns after the initial races. The weight issue also explains the criticism surrounding the team’s livery, which appears simpler compared to previous years.
Weight is not the only problem plaguing the Alpine A542. The car lacks traction, a problem that has been evident since the first day of testing. The drivers have also complained about understeer in medium-speed corners, exacerbating the traction issue. Overall, the car seems to lack downforce, both at the front and rear, due to unmet aerodynamic targets during development.
The team’s technical director, Matt Harman, acknowledges that the car’s characteristics are in line with expectations but emphasizes the need for improved traction and advanced aerodynamics. Updates are expected to address these weaknesses, but for now, the team is stuck with a car that struggles to make an impact, despite the team’s efforts on track.
While there may be gains to be made by optimizing the car’s setup, the overall performance indicates that the necessary progress was not achieved during the winter. However, there is a glimmer of hope as Bahrain is not a strong circuit for the team, and the next race in Saudi Arabia may bring slightly better results.
Improving the car will require intensive work at the factory. Both drivers were prepared for a challenging start and have remained positive and united as a team. They trust that the team will make progress and believe that patience is key. They understand that the car has potential, even if it is currently not being realized on the track.
In the meantime, the drivers and the team must make the most of the disappointing car and focus on extracting every ounce of performance from it. One potential strategy could be a pit start, which would allow Alpine to test comprehensive changes to the setup of both cars. Regardless, a clean race tomorrow is the best result they can hope for, considering the limitations of the car.
© 2024
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