As the Formula 1 season enters its final stretch with six rounds remaining, Alpine appears set to maintain its current sixth place in the constructors’ championship.
The team introduced significant revisions to its car at the Singapore Grand Prix last month, and while they anticipate one or two more minor updates later this year, Alpine’s focus has now shifted primarily to the development of their 2024 chassis.
Alpine’s Head of Trackside Engineering, Ciaron Pilbeam, explained, “I would say probably [that’s] the last major upgrade, but we’re not quite done yet.
“We’ve got one or two other bits and pieces coming later in the year.”
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The Enstone-based outfit had a promising 2022 campaign, finishing fourth in the Constructors’ standings.
However, this season has not lived up to expectations, and Alpine has struggled to replicate its previous performance.
The team’s driver lineup, featuring Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, both hailing from France, aimed to make an impact at the start of the season.
Still, the drivers have faced challenges adapting to the A523 car in a turbulent year that has fallen short of Alpine’s ambitious goals.
Pierre Gasly candidly addressed the season’s performance, saying, “In terms of performance, it’s fair to say it doesn’t live up to the expectations going into the season.
“We wanted to consolidate fourth in the teams’ championship.
“We haven’t been able to do it with the progress of Aston Martin and McLaren.”
While Alpine’s 2023 season has not been without its highlights, including podium finishes for both drivers, the team acknowledges that their overall performance has been inconsistent and often dependent on the specific track.
Gasly reflected on the season’s achievements, saying, “Two top threes with the Sprints, in contention for the podium in Monaco. Strong in Melbourne, there’s been definitely some good performance.
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“But I would say the package is too inconsistent, too track-dependent.”
Despite the challenges faced this year, Alpine remains determined to finish the season on a positive note and is already channeling its efforts into preparing for the 2024 season.
With a focus on chassis development and an understanding of the areas that need improvement, the team is committed to returning stronger and more competitive in the next Formula 1 campaign.