Alpine faces a challenging road ahead in the ongoing 2024 F1 season.
Even before the start of the season, Alpine lost its key technical staff to the newly rebranded VCARB. However, as the season began, it became evident that the French works team was the slowest on the grid. As a result, the well-known designer has chosen to depart from the team due to its sluggish start in the 2024 season.
Last year, the French team had hoped to secure a top-three finish in the constructors’ championship, but they were unable to achieve this goal and only achieved two podium finishes throughout the season.
In the current campaign, it has been a nightmare for the French outfit. They locked out the back row in the Bahrain GP and finished 17th and 18th. Additionally, the team’s prominent designer has left to join another team.
The 65-year-old designer will be joining the Silverstone base after Alpine’s disastrous start. This reunion comes after over a decade apart. Unfortunately, with all the departures, Enstone is facing a sad state of affairs. They must quickly find solutions to get the team back on track.
In the Bahrain GP, finished a disappointing 18th, just behind his teammate. Following this disappointing result, the Frenchman has lowered his expectations for the upcoming races.
When addressing the media, Gasly stated that he does not expect any miraculous solutions to make the A524 faster overnight. He is realistic and believes that a few more races will likely yield the same outcome as Bahrain.
Therefore, Gasly and his teammate will be eagerly awaiting an upgrade package to reduce the weight of the A524. It is speculated that the car is currently 11 kilograms (24 lbs) above the minimum weight. Fans and the paddock are now waiting for a turnaround from the team, as the Enstone-based outfit is a mere shadow of its former self.