F1 News: Former Driver Raises Alpine Concerns - "Convinced Is Not Going To Work"

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok has raised concerns about the Alpine team after the shocking dismissal of Otmar Szafnauer and Alan Permane.

As the F1 2023 season unfolds, the reshuffling within Alpine has garnered considerable attention. Key departures and internal decisions have raised eyebrows and fuelled speculation regarding the team's prospects in the racing world.

During the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, the French team announced significant changes in its leadership. Notably, team boss Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane decided to part ways with the team. Adding to the list, the switch of technical chief Pat Fry to Williams was also confirmed. Such high-profile exits, especially during a crucial phase of the championship, have led many to worry of deeper issues within the team's operations.

Listen To The Latest Driven Mad Podcast Episode

2023 has proven challenging for Alpine, seeing them descend to the sixth position in the constructors' championship. Aston Martin and McLaren's evident advancements have only accentuated Alpine's struggles. Former F1 driver and Sky Sports F1 reporter Karun Chandhok, voiced his concerns regarding the brand's sustainability in the sport. He explained, as quoted by Crash.net: 

“The reality is that they are the sixth best team on the grid with the sixth fastest car, but they are the third largest global brand in the automotive world.

“Your results are not good enough. My concern is if they are going to continue with managers who come from outside the world of motorsport and F1."

The disconnect between their brand stature and F1 results is glaring, leading to questions about Renault's commitment to the Alpine brand.

Chandhok further emphasised the potential pitfalls of bringing managers from outside the motorsport and F1 realm. With many hires originating from the road car division, there's growing concern about the brand's strategic direction. He remarked: 

“If you look at the people who are in some departments of Enstone, they have been signed up from the road car division. Perhaps now you are asking the question that the Renault corporation.

"The same thing happened to Toyota 20 years ago. They are going down a path where they can throw in the towel with Formula 1 or they are going down a corporate path that I am convinced is not going to work.”

With decades of experience, the departures of key figures like Permane signify more than just a leadership change. Chandhok reflected on this sentiment, noting a perceivable "lack of direction" within the team. 

“Three great figures have left. Alan Permane had been there for more than 33 years and Pat Fry seems to have left on his own, no one has thrown him out.

“He is a great signing for Williams and at Alpine I think there is a lack of direction.

“For me, they have fired important people in the operational aspect and from within the track, So I think you already know where your problems are.”