P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Failed crash tests proof of Alpine’s ambitions, says its F1 chief
The Enstone-based team, Alpine, unveiled their new car for the 2024 season, which is almost entirely new apart from the steering wheel. Their goal is to improve their position on the grid throughout the season by setting aggressive targets for the car. Technical director Matt Harman mentioned that they have pushed some design aspects to the limit and even beyond, indicating that they may have faced challenges with passing certain mandatory crash tests. However, team principal Cyril Famin stated that redoing some tests is part of the normal process and shows their ambition. Unlike Red Bull, who opted for an evolutionary design, Alpine’s decision to go with a completely new car could require them to quickly unlock performance from it to avoid falling behind. Additionally, with the 2026 car regulations approaching, there will be no room for a major redesign next year if the new design doesn’t work. Famin emphasized the importance of making a significant step forward in 2024 while acknowledging the uncertainty of their position on the grid. The ability to develop the car throughout the season will be crucial for them.
