In the realm of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, Esteban Ocon emerges as the sole victor amidst Alpine’s struggles in 2024. This season holds great importance for Ocon’s career as his contract expiration looms. Thus far, the 27-year-old has consistently outperformed his teammate Pierre Gasly in qualifying, boasting an average advantage of two tenths of a second. Additionally, Ocon has crossed the finish line ahead of Gasly in two out of the three races where both drivers completed the full distance.
Naturally, there are certain factors to consider. Gasly has taken a more experimental approach to his setup, as has been his tendency. For instance, during qualifying at Suzuka, Gasly’s setup exerted greater strain on the rear tires, resulting in a less controlled performance as the grip diminished. Gasly has also encountered misfortune in races, such as his premature retirement in Saudi Arabia due to a gearbox issue that surfaced on the formation lap. Furthermore, he suffered floor damage in a collision with Ocon at the start of the Suzuka race. Although Ocon also sustained damage, it had a lesser impact on his aerodynamics.
However, when considering the overall performance, Ocon has undeniably been the more convincing driver. This holds significance, particularly in light of Gasly’s dominance during the latter half of the previous season. While Ocon attributes Gasly’s success to luck, Gasly himself appeared to solidify his position within the team as his debut season progressed.
The future remains uncertain for both Ocon and Gasly, as their contracts expire at the end of the year. Given Alpine’s struggles, it is only logical for them to explore alternative options. However, their choices seem limited to other teams in the lower half of the grid. Ocon is a potential candidate for an Audi drive, although this possibility depends on Sauber’s ability to entice Carlos Sainz, as Nico Hulkenberg is well-positioned to secure the other seat. Williams also presents a potential destination for either Alpine driver.
When asked about his future, Ocon emphasized the importance of on-track performance. He remains committed to the team at present and is primarily focused on improvement. Whether it be earning a new contract with Alpine or seeking opportunities elsewhere, sustaining his current form as the lead Alpine driver will undoubtedly bolster his prospects.
Nonetheless, Gasly has demonstrated his competitiveness when provided with a car that allows him to attack corners with confidence. As Alpine’s performance improves, the balance of power could shift in his favor.
Alpine’s upgrade program commenced with minor adjustments at Suzuka, including a new front wing and weight reduction measures. The weight issue arose due to countermeasures following the chassis’s failure in the lateral load test. While initial reports exaggerated Alpine’s weight disadvantage, it remains a significant hurdle. The team continues to address this issue, aiming to bring the car below the minimum weight to enhance flexibility in weight distribution through ballast.
The drivers themselves are not the source of Alpine’s problems. Both Ocon and Gasly have each achieved a grand prix victory and possess a proven track record in Formula 1’s midfield. However, they must come to terms with the team’s diminished ambitions and a car that has consistently been among the slowest this year, despite Ocon’s Q2 appearances in the past two weekends.
Recalibrating their targets and adjusting their approach has proven challenging for the drivers. Nevertheless, their primary focus remains on utilizing the car’s capabilities to the fullest. Ocon expresses satisfaction with the current working dynamics within his side of the garage and the progress made in extracting maximum performance. Maintaining this momentum is of utmost importance.
Considering the presence of larger teams and more sought-after drivers who have yet to make their decisions, it may take some time before Alpine and its drivers commit to a specific path. However, it is evident that Alpine has much work ahead to secure the future of either or both drivers.