P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Just why has Alpine found itself at the back of the F1 grid? We take a look at the various factors contributing to the sudden downfall.
Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly had a tough weekend in Bahrain, with disappointing finishes in both qualifying and the race. The new Alpine A524 did not meet expectations, as even Haas, Stake, and Williams proved faster. Last season’s administrative turmoil following the Belgian Grand Prix seems to have had a lasting impact on the team’s performance. The departure of key personnel like Matt Harman and Dirk de Beer has further disrupted the A524 development process. The Renault power unit’s lack of horsepower due to engine freeze regulations has also been a significant obstacle for Alpine. Despite challenges with the chassis and weight issues, the team is committed to making upgrades to improve performance. A series of technical changes have been announced in hopes of turning around Alpine’s fortunes.