For the first time in a few weeks, Esteban Ocon is no longer in the limelight of F1 circles. The Frenchman missed FP1 to make way for Jack Doohan, before returning to the wheel of the A524. So far in Canada, the Frenchman has been fairly anonymous. Ocon only managed P18 in qualifying, which he partly attributes to having a heavier car than teammate Pierre Gasly.
Whilst much of the narrative surrounding Alpine is focused on their off-track activities, the team’s on-track performance cannot be overlooked.
The French team is 9th in the standings, scoring just two points in 2024. Since the start of the season, one of their fundamental issues has been excess weight, which cost the A524 several tenths per lap.
Although this issue has been mitigated, it is not completely unresolved. The factory at Enstone needs more time before it can give both drivers their latest upgrades.
OCON: I HAVE A HEAVIER CAR THAN GASLY THIS WEEKEND
Esteban Ocon touched on this problem in the media pen after Canada qualifying:
“There were a bit too many things that didn’t go right for us this weekend and this session. A bit of traffic, yes, to start the lap. Not the right prep with the tyres.
“A bit of traffic during the lap as well – which made me lose a tenth. Not ideal when it’s that close.
“And we have a difference in terms of weight since a couple of events, something we will rotate and will be on Pierre’s car soon.
“But at the moment, it basically adds up to the list of today – and that’s the reason we were not able to go through.”
Alpine’s development struggles are well-established. Therefore, it is not fully surprising that only one driver has access to the lighter version of the A524.
Still, this information speaks to the long road that lies ahead for Alpine.
The team’s driver shenanigans over the last two weeks are largely a distraction from their root issues. With F1 rivals developing at such an impressive rate, Bruno Famin’s team are suffering the consequences of stagnation.
