Team analysis | Alpine faces grueling challenge

The Formula One season kicks off this coming weekend with the Bahrain Grand Prix. Before that, we analyze how the teams are doing. This time we discuss the team of Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon: Alpine.

F1 season of 2021

Alpine brought a lot of experience towards the team in 2021 with Alonso. The Spaniard not only brought the necessary knowledge that was very welcome to the team, but at the same time ensured that he still performed on the track. Together with his teammate Ocon, he performed solidly last calendar year, securing fifth place in the constructors' championship.

For the French racing team, the GP in Hungary was the absolute highlight of the season. After a hectic start, Ocon managed to ride up front, while Alonso managed to hold off Lewis Hamilton for laps. In the end, it was just enough to help his teammate to a victory.

The final standings in the world championship showed how small the differences between Alonso and Ocon were. The Spaniard managed to get to 81 points, while Ocon had to settle for seven points less.

Alpine Winter Test

Last season gave Alpine the confidence it needed. On that path it hopes to continue in the new year. During the test days in Barcelona and Bahrain, the team could be satisfied. Although Alpine had to deal with problems with the car, the team still managed to drive enough laps and get the necessary data.

One of the problems that Alpine faced was that of porpoising, which affected almost all teams. This is caused by the new way of creating downforce, which makes the cars bounce on the straights. At the end of the test days in Bahrain, however, it seemed that Alpine quickly came to a solution.

Alpine in 2022

The French decided to make some drastic changes at the beginning of the season. For example, Marcin Budkowski is no longer Alpine's team principal and Alain Prost also left as advisor. Instead Alpine decided to bring in Otmar Szafnauer as team boss and to transfer Bruno Famin from the FIA.

These were hefty interventions by Alpine, but the team felt this was necessary to continue to grow in the coming years. With Szafnauer, the formation has a team boss with the necessary experience and qualities to raise the level of Alpine further. The coming months should show what is possible for Alpine in 2022.

Expectations

Last season, the racing team finished fifth in the Constructors' Championship, which was an excellent performance. As a result, it will be complicated to achieve at least the same in 2022. With Red Bull Racing, Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren, Formula 1 again has four top teams with which Alpine cannot compete for the time being.

Moreover, the new regulations mean that the competition is greater. AlphaTauri made a good impression during the test days and the team seems to be ready to compete with Alpine. Alonso and Ocon will therefore have to work hard to get points for their team, and on Saturday the aim will undoubtedly be to finish in Q3 during qualifying.