Esteban Ocon has acknowledged that he is prepared for a sluggish start to the 2024 Formula 1 season as his Alpine team adjusts to a comprehensive revamp of its car design.
Alpine finished a distant sixth in the Constructors’ Championship last season after admitting that it had reached a performance limit with its 2023 car.
In response, the team has undergone a radical transformation with the A524, which Technical Director Matt Harman has described as a completely new concept compared to its predecessor.
Harman explained that the team hopes these changes will provide a wider range of setup options and allow for further development.
However, the team is being cautious about its expectations for the upcoming season, as there may be a period of stagnation while they figure out how to maximize the car’s potential.
“It is a possibility because we have introduced a new concept,” Ocon admitted during the launch of Alpine’s A524 in Enstone on Wednesday.
“The car is completely new, and when you make such changes, it is common to take a step back.
“I’m not saying that this will happen because we haven’t tested the car yet, but the plan is to improve it throughout the year. It will be crucial to gather feedback early on to identify areas for improvement and determine if our concept choices were correct.
“It will be an interesting year in that regard, and our starting position may not be crucial. What matters is where we are in the middle of the season,” he added.
Ocon emphasizes that Alpine’s competitiveness cannot be evaluated until they have fully comprehended their latest vehicle due to the “aggressive” change in direction they have undertaken. He believes that humility is necessary in this situation. The team has adopted a new approach and completely transformed their previous concept, believing that they had already maximized its potential. However, this year is about gaining an early understanding of their position, assessing the improvements made by others, and determining where they stand. The starting point is not of utmost importance; instead, their focus lies on implementing the necessary updates, comprehending the car, and reaching its optimal performance. Ocon eagerly anticipates testing the car, hoping to experience a positive driving experience, satisfaction with the balance, and the same joy he has experienced with previous vehicles.
When asked about Alpine’s goals with their updated philosophy, Ocon explains that the new concept involves a different suspension position that visually enhances the flow of the car. The aim is to increase grip, particularly at low speeds. This new approach encompasses numerous intricate details that he chooses not to delve into, but the overall objective is to improve the ride and traction. On paper, this is what they expect to achieve on the track.
Furthermore, Ocon supports the team’s decision to adopt this new concept, highlighting that 2024 was the opportune time for such a change. The majority of this year’s car will serve as the foundation for next season, aligning with the upcoming 2026 rules reset. He believes that choosing this concept indicates its potential superiority over the previous one. In Bahrain, it is crucial to provide immediate and accurate feedback to the team, enabling them to analyze and prepare for the initial races. Ocon emphasizes the need to consider the long-term perspective rather than solely focusing on short-term results, as the new car is akin to a fresh start.
According to the Source motorsportweek.com