Alpine have reportedly had a request to improve their power unit rejected by Formula 1, meaning the French outfit will be down on power until the new engine regulations are introduced in 2026.
The Enstone-based team appealed to F1 to allow them to work on their engine despite a current ‘engine freeze’ being in place until the end of 2025, after stating that they were 30hp down on the other manufacturers.
According to Auto Motor und Sport (AMuS), F1 conducted their own analysis of Alpine’s power unit and discovered that they’re only down 15-20hp compared to Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda.
As a result, Alpine’s request was rejected.
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The Enstone-based team are seemingly paying the price for favouring reliability over performance, something they did the opposite of prior to the new aerodynamic regulations.
Reliability has, therefore, been a huge strength of Alpine’s this season, who have no choice but to get on with their power disadvantage.
“Alpine has to live with that horsepower deficit until 2026,” reported AMuS correspondent Michael Schmidt.
Schmidt added: “Renault had no reliability problems that would have opened the door for a correction,” Schmidt explained. “It was the water pump that was mainly breaking, and there is no performance to be found there.”
Following F1’s decision, Alpine are now going to return to focusing on developing their power unit for 2026.
“Our priority is to develop the 2026 engine,” current team principal Bruno Famin said.
Whilst Alpine can’t touch the power unit for next season, they’re reportedly working on a new chassis and gearbox, according to AMuS.
Alpine are in need of a big 2024, with the likes of Aston Martin and McLaren having moved clear of them this year.
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The French side are looking set to claim sixth in the Constructors’ Championship this year despite having claimed two podiums.
Consistent points finishes has been a huge issue for Alpine, as has off-circuit drama, including the firing of Otmar Szafnauer and Alan Permane.
When the car has been working well, both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly have looked competitive, even though they’re down on power to their opposition.