Alpine faces a challenging season in F1 in 2024, experiencing difficulties from the beginning. The A524 car they started with was both underpowered and overweight. The team underwent significant management changes, including the sudden removal of Otmar Szafnauer as CEO and Alan Permane as Sporting Director just before the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix. Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry also left for Williams.
These changes came shortly after Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi was fired. Famin took over as Team Principal on an interim basis before being officially confirmed in 2024. Despite the changes, the team managed to secure a podium at Zandvoort, with Pierre Gasly finishing third. However, this achievement was not a true reflection of the team’s performance. It was mainly due to mixed weather conditions, not the true pace of the car. The rest of the previous season was marked by inconsistency and disappointment for the French team.
Unfortunately, the 2024 F1 season did not start any better for Alpine. They have yet to score a single point after four races and are currently at the bottom of the constructors’ standings. Furthermore, there are rumors circulating that the Renault board may be considering selling their struggling F1 operation. This puts Famin in a difficult position as the team continues to lose key personnel, including Technical Director Matt Harman and Head of Aerodynamics Dirk de Beer.
In an interview with the official Formula 1 website, the Frenchman tried to downplay all the rumors and difficulties that have been circulating. He emphasized that Alpine has a genuine plan in place, aiming to increase the global recognition of the Alpine brand through motorsport, especially Formula 1. Famin reassured that the team has full support from senior management and is not for sale. He expressed their determination to continue striving to achieve their goals.
However, Famin acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating that it is not a pleasant period for the team. He made it clear that their goal is not to settle for 15th or 16th place, but to be at the forefront of the competition. They aspire to improve the car’s performance and compete for podiums and victories as soon as possible. Famin emphasized that the board members understand the challenges they face and highlighted the support they receive from higher-ups at Renault. He recognized the difficulty of the task ahead and the need to raise their standards and level of performance.
Famin drew inspiration from the team’s history, previously known as Renault, and how they were initially underestimated in the 1970s. He emphasized the importance of using the current difficult period as an opportunity to strengthen themselves. Famin acknowledged that all teams go through ups and downs, and they are facing a downturn at the moment. However, he assured that they will make the necessary changes within the team to achieve their goals and come out stronger.
As Vice President of Alpine Motorsport, Famin attributed the team’s current deficiencies to decisions made by their predecessors. He emphasized that their focus is on the present and expressed satisfaction with the team’s current efforts. Famin acknowledged that they have a long way to go and plenty of room for improvements.
The new regulations of Formula 1 will replace the current ones in 2026, introducing new power units and cars. Famin, who aims to change Alpine’s fortunes by then, revealed that Viry, Alpine’s engine base in France, has been diligently working on the new engine regulations for a considerable period. He expressed satisfaction with their progress and the ambitious level they have reached. However, he acknowledged the uncertainty of his competitors’ actions. Famin emphasized the goal of returning to the top of the grid and significantly improving their position through the major regulatory changes in 2026. He stressed the importance of seizing this opportunity and achieving consistency, rather than fluctuating between different rankings every year.
The current situation of Alpine poses a risk of starting 2026 at a disadvantage. Despite the wise decision to assign Szafnauer the task of delivering results in 2026 and allowing him to establish a stable operation, he was abruptly dismissed along with key technical figures. Even if replacements and new team members are hired, considering the transition periods, they will not have enough time to integrate into the team and start producing results. This raises important considerations for decision-makers at Renault and Alpine.
© 2024
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The world of sports will never be the same after this incredible achievement. The athlete showed that, with determination and hard work, great feats are possible. His story is a reminder that we should not give up on our dreams and that anything is possible when we believe in ourselves.
© 2024
