P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Esteban Ocon has admitted that the Alpine Formula 1 team’s “backwards step” during the Japanese Grand Prix meant that he
Alpine’s season began badly due to an uncompetitive car, but recent minor upgrades showed some improvement, as seen with Ocon qualifying for Q2 in Suzuka. The Suzuka race saw both Alpine cars finish behind everyone but Williams’ Sargeant due to various incidents, like Gasly’s collision with Ocon. Ocon believes the damage from the collision did not significantly affect their performance. Despite a decent qualifying, Alpine struggled in the race, prompting them to analyze set-up changes made. Both drivers felt the lack of pace and damage prevented them from challenging higher, emphasizing the need for further improvements from the team.
