F1 News: Alpine Next Team To Confirm 2024 Launch Date In Conjunction With WEC Programme
Alpine is set to unveil its 2024 Formula 1 challenger on February 7, integrating the event with its World Endurance Championship Program. The French team, which finished sixth in the 2023 season, aims to rebound from a management reshuffle and build on its recent history with the A524 car launch.
Key Takeaways:
- Alpine's 2024 Launch: Scheduled for February 7, Alpine's season launch will showcase its new Formula 1 car, the A524, and integrate its World Endurance Championship Program.
- Management and Team Changes: Following a challenging 2023 season, Alpine saw significant management changes with the departure of Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer and Sporting Director Alan Permane, and Bruno Famin stepping in.
- Driver Line-up Continuity: Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly will continue as Alpine's drivers, maintaining an all-French line-up and aiming to improve on their sixth-place finish in the 2023 season.
Alpine is eagerly anticipating the launch of its 2024 challenger, the A524, on February 7. This event will not only mark a new chapter for their Formula 1 aspirations but will also be a platform for their World Endurance Championship Program.
The 2024 season is critical for Alpine, especially after a less-than-ideal performance in 2023. Under the second year of the current ground effect aerodynamic regulations, the team slipped to sixth place, trailing behind a rejuvenated Aston Martin by a significant 160 points. This disappointing result led to a management overhaul, with Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer and Sporting Director Alan Permane parting ways with the team in July. Bruno Famin has since assumed these responsibilities, seemingly solidifying his role with no confirmation of a permanent replacement for Szafnauer.
On top of the changes in senior management, Alpine received a staggering investment of €200 million from an investor group which includes figures such as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Despite these changes, Alpine will maintain consistency in its driver lineup. Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, both French drivers, will continue to represent the team, aiming to capitalise on their experience and synergy from the previous season.
Reflecting on Alpine's journey, the past two seasons have been a mixed bag. In 2022, the team showed promise but couldn't consistently challenge the top-tier teams. The following year, 2023, saw Alpine grappling with internal management shifts, which arguably impacted their on-track performance.
