The Sakhir grid for the first race of the season presented a disappointing sight for the once-dominant F1 World Champion team known as Renault. The Alpine A524, which was both overweight and underpowered, did not help its drivers during the race. They finished a lap behind the winner, Max Verstappen of Red Bull, with Esteban Ocon leading Pierre Gasly in 17th and 18th place respectively.
In a statement, Alpine Team Principal Bruno Famin acknowledged the team’s underperformance and announced organizational changes. Famin stated that the team needed to take a step forward in terms of organization and personnel to improve their performance level. The new structure will consist of three Technical Directors, each specializing in different areas. Famin expressed his confidence in Joe, David, and Ciaron to work together and bring the team the necessary improvements.
Famin also thanked Matt and Dirk, who were part of the team for the past few years, and wished them success in their future endeavors. As the team heads into Round 2 with limited time between races, the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the high-speed Jeddah Circuit could pose further challenges for Gasly and Ocon.
On the 4th of March 2024, the BWT Alpine F1 Team introduced a series of organizational changes within its technical teams. The team adopted a new three-pillared approach, replacing the previous structure of a singular Technical Director. This decision was made following disappointing results in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, with the team dropping from fourth place in 2022 to sixth place in 2023.
The team appointed Joe Burnell as Technical Director (Engineering), David Wheater as Technical Director (Aerodynamics), and Ciaron Pilbeam as Technical Director (Performance). These three individuals will work closely together and report to Team Principal Bruno Famin. The changes are effective immediately.
In terms of the power unit, the technical team in Viry is led by Technical Director (Power Unit) Eric Meignan, who is focused on the 2026 PU project. Additionally, John Woods and Audrey Vastroux have started their tenures as Chief Operating Officers at Enstone and Viry-Chatillon respectively, continuing the development of the team’s factories.
The BWT Alpine F1 Team also announced the departure of Technical Director Matt Harman and Head of Aerodynamics Dirk de Beer. The team expressed gratitude for their contributions and wished them the best in their future endeavors.