Alpine: 'Must try to keep at least that position'

Davide Brivio thinks that Alpine are on the right track in Formula 1. The French formation are in the top-five of the constructors classification and in some Grands Prix they have even been able to fight for the spots on the podium. Brivio has also kept a close eye on the battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton at the very front.

"We haven't set a precise goal, we've started by trying to understand the qualities of the top teams on the grid and then trying to do the best we can," said Brivio in an interview with La Gazetta dello Sport.

Pecking order in F1

Speaking to the Italian sports newspaper, the top executive let it be known that the aim is fifth place in the World Constructors' Championship. "We have to try to keep at least that position. The values are those, Mercedes and Red Bull are playing, McLaren and Ferrari are in the middle, but in certain situations we can be very competitive."

Despite McLaren and Ferrari clearly being the numbers three and four in the World Championship, they have not yet managed to secure a victory this year. Alpine have managed to do so, however, with Ocon at the Hungarian Grand Prix. "We're happy with how we're doing, also considering the new regulations coming in 2022 with all our resources focused almost entirely on that," explained Brivio.

Verstappen vs Hamilton

The battle for the title in 2021 also came up for discussion, with Hamilton currently eight points ahead of his Dutch rival Verstappen. "Hamilton-Verstappen is a great duel to follow. Despite some tension, I think they are duelling without sparing a beat, putting all their energy and skills into it. And I think that's really nice to see," said the 57-year-old Italian.