(Motorsports news) Alpine aimed to maintain fourth place in the constructors’ standings in 2023 while decreasing the gap on Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. However, it has dropped to sixth place, trailing Aston Martin and McLaren. Otmar Szafnauer, team leader, and long-time sporting director Alan Permane then left, reportedly disagreeing with Renault’s high brass on how fast success might be delivered.
Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi has also been reassigned to work on “special projects,” while team technical director Nick Chester has consented to a Williams swap for 2024. Alpine has also sought the assistance of other teams to see whether it would be granted performance breaks for its engine, which is thought to be up to 30bhp less powerful than rivals.
In light of this, Renault CEO de Meo paid a visit to the Enstone factory last week to address the entire workers, with employees from the Viry engine complex dialing in virtually. According to sources, while de Meo gave some hard realities about where the club needed to improve, his address worked to motivate the players.
This was confirmed by Ocon. “I was having performance meetings on that day,” he stated before of the Qatar Grand Prix. Obviously, I did attend Luca’s speech. “Luca came into the factory to reaffirm and motivate everyone.” It was great that he came to see us. He also responded to several queries from everyone.
“Of course, there are things we can do better. We’re on our way to doing that, and I’m confident we’ll be able to do so in the future.” Pierre Gasly finished third in the Belgian GP sprint race when the incoming departures of Szafnauer and Permane were disclosed. He also finished third in the Netherlands.
Alpine earned a double points finish in Japan, along with Spa and Zandvoort, despite a team orders conflict in which a furious Gasly was unexpectedly requested to move aside for Ocon on the penultimate lap. When asked why de Meo waited until last week to address employees, Ocon said, “I think it’s always a good thing to see a boss coming into the factory, stepping in the doors, and just motivating everyone.”
“It’s fantastic to see that the Formula One strategy is entirely within Alpine’s control.” That demonstrates his dedication to the project. It is always the appropriate time. “There’s no bad or good times, it’s always the right time.”
Also read: Alpine says it needs to improve communication after an order conflict with an F1 team
