Alpine’s Remarkable Journey in Formula 1: A Season of Triumphs and Transitions
If you had spoken to any Formula 1 enthusiast at the beginning of the 2024 season and predicted that Alpine would secure a double podium finish and clinch sixth place in the constructors’ championship by the season’s end, you would have likely been met with puzzled expressions. However, the Brazilian Grand Prix marked a turning point for the Enstone team, as Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly crossed the finish line in second and third place, achieving the first double-podium for the squad under the Alpine banner.
Alpine’s Initial Struggles and Resilient Recovery
At the onset of the campaign, Alpine found itself consistently at the back of the pack, failing to score any points until round six in Miami when Ocon secured a 10th place finish. The team’s tally stood at a mere 11 points by the mid-season break, with Ocon contributing five points and Gasly adding six to the total. David Sanchez, Alpine’s executive technical director, revealed to Autosport that the car had been plagued by excess weight and aerodynamic challenges, stating, “The chassis and the weight of the car were one issue, and the aerodynamic characteristics were another issue.”
Determined to rectify these issues, the team embarked on a rigorous journey of improvement, culminating in a stellar performance in Brazil where Alpine amassed an impressive 35 points. In the subsequent races leading up to the season finale, the French outfit added another 16 points to cement its sixth-place finish in the championship, edging out rivals Haas.
Transitioning Towards a Promising Future
As the 2025 season looms on the horizon, Alpine has undergone significant changes in its driver lineup, with reserve driver Jack Doohan stepping into a race seat alongside Gasly following Ocon’s move to Haas. Doohan made his F1 debut at the Abu Dhabi GP, showcasing his potential by qualifying 17th and finishing 15th, setting the stage for his full-fledged rookie campaign.
Additionally, Alpine has bolstered its reserve driver roster for 2025, enlisting the talents of Paul Aron, Ryo Hirakawa, and Franco Colapinto. With a formidable lineup of drivers on standby, including the impressive Colapinto who made waves with his performances for Williams in the latter half of 2024, Alpine is poised to build upon its recent successes.
A Bold Leap into the Future: The Mercedes Engine Partnership
Looking ahead to 2026, Alpine is set to embark on a significant milestone in its F1 journey by transitioning from a Renault power unit to Mercedes, following the parent company’s decision to shutter its own engine programme. The move mirrors similar shifts made by Red Bull and McLaren in recent years, both of whom saw a resurgence in performance after aligning with new engine suppliers.
While the change in engine providers does not guarantee immediate championship success, the upcoming 2026 regulation changes appear to favor teams powered by Mercedes engines, as indicated by statements from the German manufacturer. Notably, McLaren outperformed Mercedes in the 2024 season, clinching the constructors’ championship and establishing a strong precedent for engine partnerships.
Alpine is not alone in its engine transition for 2026, with Aston Martin, Red Bull, and Sauber also making strategic changes. Each team’s performance in the upcoming season remains uncertain, but Alpine’s decision to align with Mercedes underscores its commitment to long-term growth and competitiveness on the F1 grid.
Empowering Leadership and Strategic Direction
Under the guidance of new team principal Oliver Oakes, Alpine aims to leverage its partnership with Mercedes to drive progress and elevate its performance on the track. Oakes, who brings a fresh perspective and leadership style to the team, emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals within the organization and providing them with the necessary tools to excel.
Moreover, the addition of seasoned F1 advisor Flavio Briatore to Alpine’s ranks underscores the team’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Briatore’s endorsement of Oakes as a dynamic and forward-thinking leader bodes well for Alpine’s future prospects, as the team navigates a competitive and evolving landscape in the world of Formula 1.
As Alpine prepares for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, the Enstone squad remains focused on building upon its recent achievements and establishing a competitive edge in the highly-competitive F1 arena. With a clear vision, strong leadership, and a talented roster of drivers, Alpine is poised to make significant strides towards the front of the grid, setting the stage for an exciting and promising future in Formula 1.
