P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Failed crash tests proof of Alpine’s ambitions, says its F1 chief
Alpine has unveiled a brand-new car for the 2024 season, with only the steering wheel being carried over from last year. The team aims to achieve aggressive targets and improve its position on the grid throughout the season. Technical director Matt Harman mentioned pushing design elements to the limit, potentially referring to rumors about not passing all of the FIA crash tests initially. Alpine had to retake some tests, which they ultimately passed, and team principal Cyril Abiteboul sees this as a normal process and a sign of ambition. While Alpine’s decision to introduce a new car may seem risky, it is driven by lessons learned from the past and the upcoming 2026 regulations. The team believes it will need ample resources to work on the 2026 project early, and the 2025 car may only see mild evolution. The ability to develop the car during the season will be crucial, as there are many unknowns about their performance and position on the grid.
