Many continue to wonder why Fernando Alonso The fourth team on the grid has changed Formula 1 for the sixth, but little by little factors that escape the purely statistical are beginning to be distilled.
In fact, the two-time world champion himself signaled his surprise at leaving Alpine and landing at Aston Martin so it was found in the Silverstone garage.
The new factory, the wind tunnel, the galactic signings of Red Bull and Mercedes gurusthe enormous financial outlay… the true ‘Plan’ of the green team is in the medium term, and there Alonso knows that he will win with the change.
Now, with his accomplished debut and that of Pierre Gasley with those of Enstone, Alpine has recognized that in 2022 “We started the season in very bad shape”reaching the “ruin” in Montmeló.
“We arrived in Barcelona in ruins. Our plan at the time was to do development as late as possible, because it was a new car. From there we wanted to try to break through,” he explained. laurent rossiCEO of Alpine, in statements to ‘Motorsport’.
In fact, the forecasts were catastrophic: “I remember that, at the beginning of the season, no one would have thought we would end the year higher than eighth. The McLaren seemed faster. So I’m pleased that we managed to catch up and overtake them.”
With the signing of otmar szafnauer and the outputs of Prost either Budkowskithe plan was to restore the team: “At the beginning of this season, the goal was to establish a new structure, and we did so. That structure is intended to offer innovations and improvements throughout the season and to be more competitive. It was a successful approach, and it allowed us to finish the course in a better position.”
Nevertheless, Alonso’s departure or the catastrophe caused by the signing of Oscar Piastri by McLaren denotes that there were leaks in the preconceived approach.
In the end, the flute sounded and they were ahead of McLarenbut the trend was not as positive nor was the plan as exciting as in Aston Martinand Fernando decided to emigrate.
“It’s important to finish fourth, not only financially, but also to get a run. We want to try to progress every year to end up catching up with the best teams and get as high as possible. It was important not to err in our first step“, ditch Rossi.