Alpine is a Formula 1 team in flux at the moment. However, they had been flying high after a couple of good weekends either side of the summer break. Pierre Gasly had racked up two top 3 finishes in the last two weekends. Meanwhile, Esteban Ocon was proving just how consistent he is. However, all that momentum came to a halt at the Italian GP.
A Double Q1 Exit
Alpine currently sits 6th in the Formula 1 constructors’ standings. However, at the Italian GP, they didn’t look like it on either Friday or Saturday. They had 3 miserable practice sessions. However, Formula 1 viewers would’ve been hoping for some more pace from the French outfit in qualifying.
As soon as the Italian GP qualifying started, it was clear Alpine didn’t have any extra pace in the bank. Both of their drivers struggled for pace throughout the session. Esteban Ocon went off the track and into the gravel on one of his laps. This damaged his floor, which caused a further loss of performance. Both he and Pierre Gasly finished in the bottom 5 and got knocked out in Q1.
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Engine Troubles Haunt Alpine
Drivers are at full throttle for more than 75% of each lap of the Italian GP. This puts an immense load on the engine. This is why many Formula 1 teams choose this race to give their drivers new power units.
Alpine have been struggling with their engine performance during 2023. They are down on engine power compared to the other teams and have even asked the FIA to intervene. The Italian GP exposed their troubles to the world as their drivers struggled to maintain top speed through a lap.
FIA received a lot of pushback when they suggested introducing a Balance of Power (BoP) in Formula 1 to help struggling teams like Alpine. However, their struggle at the Italian GP might just give them a stronger argument for their cause.
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Whether or not Alpine get an allowance for their engine, they have to go through a torrid Italian GP in 2023. Will their drivers be able to move forward on such a power-sensitive track? Keep following us to find out.
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