
Pierre Gasly has stood by Alpine’s bold decision to overhaul its Formula 1 car concept for 2024, even though the team has faced significant challenges this season. Despite a drop in performance and a frustrating campaign so far, Gasly believes that the change was necessary for the team’s long-term success.
Earlier this year, Alpine made the strategic choice not to further develop the main ideas behind their A523 car. Instead, they decided to explore a new direction with the A524, aiming to unlock greater potential for future development. This shift came after a disappointing finish last season, where the team slipped from fourth to sixth in the constructors’ championship.
The first half of the 2024 season has been tough, with Alpine managing to score only 11 points, placing them in a distant eighth position in the championship standings. Yet, Gasly remains convinced that the team’s decision was justified.
Reflecting on the situation, Gasly explained, “It was a performance-driven decision. Last year, the team felt that they had reached the limit of what they could achieve with their car concept. We didn’t hit our targets, and the question became: Do we want to stick with something that might keep us stuck in the same place, or do we aim higher? The choice was clear—we wanted more.”
Gasly is not content with merely maintaining a mid-field position in the constructors’ standings. “We’re not in Formula 1 to settle for sixth place,” he emphasized. The French driver acknowledged that the new car concept hasn’t delivered the results they hoped for, but he remains optimistic about the direction the team is heading.
“Unfortunately, the changes haven’t paid off as we’d hoped with this year’s car, but I still believe that the team is operating at a higher level than when I first joined,” Gasly said. He expressed confidence in the work being done at Alpine’s Enstone headquarters, suggesting that the foundation being laid now will be crucial for future success, particularly looking ahead to 2025.
Gasly concluded on a hopeful note, “It’s about translating that progress into performance on the track, which is no easy task. But I can see that we’re already moving in the right direction for next season. With the processes, the people, and the work we’ve been doing, I’m confident that something good will come out of it.”
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