P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Gasly: Alpine F1 car’s weight issue is not that bad
Following a disappointing Bahrain test, fears of having the slowest car in the 2024 field were confirmed during qualifying when Pierre Gasly secured the 20th and final position, trailing behind teammate Esteban Ocon. Concerns arose about the car’s weight during testing, with some suggesting it may be 11kg over the limit, directly affecting lap times. Gasly downplayed the severity of the weight issue, acknowledging the need for improvement in all areas to close the performance gap. The team is aware of the weaknesses in their package and the necessary improvements needed, aiming to maximize their current situation while awaiting upgrades to enhance overall performance. Gasly emphasized the importance of addressing the front end issues affecting the car’s handling, expressing optimism that upcoming upgrades will bring about progress in achieving the desired balance and performance.
