Alpine Formula 1 chief Bruno Famin has announced that the team has introduced its latest upgrades to the Chinese Grand Prix ahead of schedule. The Enstone-based team had anticipated a difficult start to the 2024 season due to the transition to a new car concept. However, Famin admitted to being shocked when both cars qualified at the back of the grid in Bahrain and failed to score any points in the first four races. Alpine has been struggling with an uncompetitive and overweight A524 charger, but recent updates have aimed to improve aerodynamics and reduce excess weight. Famin stated that both factories are working tirelessly to improve the team’s performance, with further developments planned for the Chinese race.
“We are pushing hard in both factories,” Famin said. “In Viry, we are focusing on energy management, which is crucial for performance within the regulations. And in Enstone, our main focus is on aero and tire understanding. We are fully committed to developing a better car.”
Alpine originally planned to introduce more upgrades in Miami next month, but they have been accelerated to allow one driver to receive them in Shanghai. Famin revealed that the team has been working tirelessly and was able to bring an upgrade to one car this weekend, one race earlier than planned. The opening races of the season have been disastrous for Alpine, resulting in the resignations of Technical Director Matt Harman and Head of Aerodynamics Dirk de Beer. The team has now implemented a three-pronged technical structure, inspired by McLaren’s successful turnaround last year. Famin, who has taken on a permanent role as Alpine’s chief, is determined to overhaul the team’s underperforming operation.
“My role is to restructure the team,” Famin explained. “I spent the last two years in Viry, and now I am in Enstone. We need to change our working methods in order to develop our car more effectively. We need to be more agile and efficient. There is a lot of work to be done. We have already made some changes in our technical organization, as you may have seen in recent weeks. My job is to bring everything together and make the necessary changes. We need to change the mindset of the team, motivate everyone, and improve our processes and organization.”