This time at least, Alpine will have believed it for a short while.
Taking advantage of the retirements of certain leaders at the Australian Grand Prix, including Max Verstappen, Esteban Ocon was in the battle for points for a while this Sunday... Before having to return to the pits on the 18th lap for a fire on one of his brakes and finally finished in 16th place.
Only a few rows behind his teammate Pierre Gasly, 13th and just as frustrated.
After three races, the French team is still waiting for the first points of its season.
Improvements made.
We're hungry for more and won't stop until we get there.
Back to Enstone and Viry-Châtillon for another week to improve.
pic.twitter.com/sVpbXffap9
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) March 24, 2024
“A tear-off (protection for helmet visors) got stuck in one of my brakes, which started to catch fire.
I had to stop in the pits to sort it out, explained Ocon after the finish.
It's frustrating because we were in the fight for the last points.
I'm disappointed, it's really bad luck.
» However, lack of luck does not explain everything: if the French are lagging at the bottom of the ranking, it is also because their car is simply not up to standard.
“A plan to improve”
“What is missing is very clear, it is not a specific element, it is everything: it is mechanical, on drag, aero and engine power,” pointed out Gasly, who has never seen Q2 this season.
The team is working on it and there is a plan that has been put in place to improve.
But you have to be realistic, it's Formula 1, you have to be patient.
No one likes to be, but they have to be.
»
Checkered flag 🏁
Pierre - P13
Esteban - P16 pic.twitter.com/qQ6HA1JEJn
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) March 24, 2024
The Norman is not exempt from all reproaches in Australia either, since he received a five-second penalty for having bitten a white line when leaving the pits.
“I thought I did things well, it’s my fault but it’s not clear,” admitted the Frenchman, before refocusing the debate.
“It’s anecdotal for our race, there’s no point in focusing on that.
I think we need to improve, we are still far from the performance we need to get points.
»
Also read “I spent 10 days in bed”: the story of the commando operation of Carlos Sainz, winner of the Australian GP
To reassure themselves, both drivers are clinging to the prospect of changes to their cars, which should take place within two weeks for the Suzuka Grand Prix.
There will be new features on the car in Japan, as planned, Ocon confirmed.
We will have to see how much this brings us in performance.
» “I hope it will bring us closer to the cars in front,” added his teammate.
Who hopes to see the specter of the white season finally disappear.