Pierre Gasly of the Alpine F1 Team has acknowledged that he was taken aback by the team’s decision to restructure its Formula 1 technical setup, despite the team’s disappointing start to the 2024 season. Prior to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Alpine made the announcement that Technical Director Matt Harman and Head of Aerodynamics Dirk de Beer had left the team. Alpine has now implemented a three-part technical arrangement, which has drawn comparisons to the approach McLaren used to overcome their struggles last season. The team, based in Enstone, has faced a challenging start to the current campaign with an overweight and uncompetitive A524 car, which is a complete overhaul from its predecessor. Despite expecting a slow start, Alpine Team Principal Bruno Famin expressed his shock when both cars qualified at the back row in Bahrain. However, Gasly remains optimistic about the team’s ability to improve and supports the significant changes made by Alpine’s management. He believes that time will ultimately determine the success of these decisions. Gasly also mentioned that he has noticed positive changes in the background operations of the team, such as improved processes, mentality, self-reflection, and the work being done in studies and feedback.
“We are delving deeper into the specifics and endeavoring to extract the final percentage of performance from each individual. This process has been well-received, and I can observe the positive change it has brought.
“While this does not necessarily translate to a two-tenths improvement on the race track due to the lack of grip provided by the car, it is certainly the direction our team must pursue in the medium to long term.”
The French driver, currently in his second season with Alpine, remains focused on his driving responsibilities. However, he acknowledges that both drivers will play a part in the team’s revival.
When asked about the surprise resignations of Harman and De Beer, Gasly responded, “It is always unexpected, especially since I had been in close contact with Matt as he joined the team. I was trying to comprehend the philosophy and understand the changes we made to the new car, so it does come as a bit of a shock.
“I had some prior knowledge, but ultimately, my main focus is on my role. I need to drive the car quickly, propel the team forward, and provide them with clear feedback. That is where my energy is directed, and it requires a significant amount at the moment.”
Despite the shared frustration of being situated at the back of the grid, Gasly has been impressed by the cohesive spirit driving Alpine’s determination to improve.
“Everyone is disappointed, but what impresses me is that no one is disheartened. Everyone is eager to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Each person is working on their respective areas, striving to make as much progress as possible – be it in the garage, operations room, engineering room, or at the factory. I feel a stronger sense of unity than ever before, especially in this challenging situation,” he added.
“It is crucial that we stick together and move forward in the same direction. I genuinely believe that everyone is exerting themselves to enhance our performance. However, Formula 1 demands time, despite my personal aversion to it. I have always fought against time, both on and off the race track. But in this instance, I must exercise patience.”