F1 News: Former Team Boss Pinpoints Route Of Alpine's Struggles - Pierre Gasly And Esteban Ocon "Stuck"
Former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan has expressed concern about the Alpine team's prospects in F1 2024, noting that drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon are "stuck" in a team that seems unlikely to make significant progress. Despite Alpine's efforts, including major staff changes in 2023, Jordan fears the team, particularly its Renault power unit, may not see much improvement in the upcoming season.
Key Takeaways:
- Alpine's Challenging Journey: Since its return as a manufacturer in F1 in 2016, Alpine has struggled to break free from the midfield. Despite senior staff changes in 2023, success has been limited, leading to a sixth-place finish in the 2023 Constructors' Championship.
- Concerns for the 2024 Season: Ahead of the new season, Sky F1 commentator David Croft reported that Esteban Ocon admitted the Alpine car appears "quite slow." Alpine is set to unveil their new car on February 7, but early indications suggest challenges ahead.
- Major Decisions Looming: Both Gasly and Ocon are entering the final year of their contracts with Alpine, signalling crucial decisions for the team and drivers about their future in F1 beyond 2024.
Eddie Jordan, speaking on the Formula For Success podcast, shared his thoughts on the French team's situation. He said:
“Alpine, two good drivers. I have a sweet spot for Gasly. I think he tries really hard and sometimes he’s a little bit unlucky. Ocon, who we saw when he was at Force India, so you know, the Jordan, Force India, the Aston Martin [evolution], I’ve had a lot of good experiences with him.
"Nevertheless, do I see them making much improvement next year? Really, truthfully, no.
"I think the engine is not good enough. And two great drivers, but you know, they’re stuck in there and they just make the best of it.”
Jordan's candid remarks underscore the challenges faced by Alpine, particularly in terms of their Renault power unit's performance. Despite having two skilled drivers in Gasly and Ocon, the team's overall capacity for progress in the 2024 season remains a significant concern.
Alpine F1 Press Image