In the realm of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, Esteban Ocon emerges as the sole victor amidst Alpine’s struggles in 2024. This season holds great importance for Ocon’s career, as his contract is nearing expiration. So far, the 27-year-old driver has consistently outperformed his teammate Pierre Gasly in qualifying, boasting an average advantage of two tenths of a second. Additionally, Ocon has crossed the finish line ahead of Gasly in two out of the three races where both drivers completed the full distance.
Naturally, there are certain factors to be considered. Gasly has taken a more experimental approach to his setup, as has been his tendency. For instance, during qualifying in Suzuka, Gasly’s setup put more pressure on the rear tires, resulting in less controlled performance as grip decreased. Gasly also faced setbacks in races, such as his premature retirement in Saudi Arabia due to a gearbox issue that arose on the formation lap. Additionally, he suffered floor damage in a collision with Ocon early in the Suzuka race. While Ocon also sustained damage, it had a lesser impact on his aerodynamics.
However, when considering overall performance, Ocon has undeniably been the more convincing driver. This holds significant importance, especially in light of Gasly’s dominance during the latter half of the previous season. While Ocon attributes Gasly’s success to luck, Gasly himself seemed to solidify his position within the team as his rookie season progressed.
The future remains uncertain for both Ocon and Gasly, as their contracts expire at the end of the year. Given Alpine’s difficulties, it is only logical that they explore alternative options. However, their choices seem limited to other teams in the lower half of the grid. Ocon is a potential candidate for a seat at Audi, although this possibility depends on Sauber’s ability to attract Carlos Sainz, as Nico Hulkenberg is well placed to secure the other seat. Williams also presents a possible destination for any of the Alpine drivers.
When asked about his future, Ocon emphasized the importance of on-track performance. He remains committed to the team at the moment and is primarily focused on improvement. Whether securing a new contract with Alpine or seeking opportunities elsewhere, maintaining his current form as the lead Alpine driver will undoubtedly strengthen his prospects.
However, Gasly has shown his competitiveness when provided with a car that allows him to attack corners with confidence. As Alpine’s performance improves, the balance of power may tilt in his favor.
Alpine’s upgrade program began with minor adjustments in Suzuka, including a new front wing and weight reduction measures. The weight issue arose due to countermeasures after the chassis failure in the lateral load test. Although initial reports exaggerated Alpine’s weight disadvantage, it remains a significant obstacle. The team continues to address this issue, aiming to reduce the car’s weight below the minimum to improve flexibility in weight distribution through ballast.
The pilots themselves are not the source of Alpine’s problems. Both Ocon and Gasly have already achieved a victory in a grand prix and have a proven track record in the midfield of Formula 1. However, they must come to terms with the team’s reduced ambitions and a car that has consistently been one of the slowest this year, despite Ocon’s appearances in Q2 in the last two weekends.
Adjusting their goals and tweaking their approach has been a challenge for the pilots. However, their main focus remains on maximizing the capabilities of the car. Ocon expresses satisfaction with the current working dynamics within his side of the garage and the progress made in extracting the maximum performance. Maintaining this momentum is of utmost importance.
Considering the presence of larger teams and more sought-after pilots who have not yet made their decisions, it may take some time before Alpine and its pilots commit to a specific path. However, it is evident that Alpine has a lot of work ahead to secure the future of one or both pilots.
© 2024
The world of sports is full of action and excitement, and 2024 is no different. With a series of exciting events happening around the world, sports fans are ecstatic. From the Olympics to football competitions, there is something for everyone.
One of the biggest stories of the year has been the meteoric rise of a young talent in the world of tennis. At just 18 years old, Pedro Silva is already making waves in the professional circuit. He recently won his first major tournament and is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with.
In the world of football, the season is in full swing. The big clubs are competing for titles and the players are fighting to stand out. The highlight so far has been the incredible performance of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is leading the way for his team.
In the world of motorsport, the competition is fierce. With exciting races and daring overtakes, the drivers are showcasing their skills. Lewis Hamilton remains one of the best drivers in the world, but he is facing strong competition from young talents who are eager to prove their worth.
And, of course, we can’t forget about the Olympic Games. Athletes from around the world are preparing for the most important sporting event of the year. With a variety of disciplines, such as swimming, athletics, and gymnastics, the Olympic Games promise to be an exciting spectacle.
This is just a glimpse of what is happening in the world of sports in 2024. With so many exciting events and captivating stories, sports fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming months. Stay tuned for more news and updates on everything happening in the world of sports.
