Eddie Jordan Highlights Alpine’s 2024 Struggles with Gasly and Ocon “Stuck” in Team

In a revealing discussion, former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan has highlighted the persistent struggles of the Alpine F1 team, pointing out the limitations faced by drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon in the upcoming 2024 season. His insights into the team’s challenges, especially with its Renault power unit, raise concerns about Alpine’s potential for progress.

Key Takeaways:

• Alpine’s Challenging Journey: Since its return as a manufacturer in F1 in 2016, Alpine has struggled to break free from the midfield. Despite senior staff changes in 2023, success has been limited, leading to a sixth-place finish in the 2023 Constructors’ Championship.
• Concerns for the 2024 Season: Ahead of the new season, Sky F1 commentator David Croft reported that Esteban Ocon admitted the Alpine car appears “quite slow.” Alpine is set to unveil their new car on February 7, but early indications suggest challenges ahead.
• Major Decisions Looming: Both Gasly and Ocon are entering the final year of their contracts with Alpine, signalling crucial decisions for the team and drivers about their future in F1 beyond 2024.

Eddie Jordan, known for his insightful and direct approach to F1 commentary, shared his concerns on the Formula For Success podcast. He focused on the Alpine team’s current state and its implications for the future. Jordan, with his rich history in the sport, brought a unique perspective to the discussion. His quote:

“Alpine, two good drivers. I have a sweet spot for Gasly. I think he tries really hard and sometimes he’s a little bit unlucky. Ocon, who we saw when he was at Force India, so you know, the Jordan, Force India, the Aston Martin [evolution], I’ve had a lot of good experiences with him. Nevertheless, do I see them making much improvement next year? Really, truthfully, no. I think the engine is not good enough. And two great drivers, but you know, they’re stuck in there and they just make the best of it.”

This candid assessment by Jordan highlights the predicament facing Alpine. Despite having talented drivers like Gasly and Ocon, the team’s power unit, provided by Renault, seems to be a limiting factor. This is especially concerning as both drivers are at a critical juncture in their careers, with their contracts set to expire at the end of the 2024 season.

Alpine’s performance in the 2023 season, culminating in a sixth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship, underscores the team’s ongoing struggle to break out from the midfield. The upcoming season presents another opportunity for the team to address these issues, but early reports, including remarks from Ocon about the car’s speed, indicate continued challenges.

As the team prepares to unveil its new car on February 7, the F1 community and fans will be closely watching to see if Alpine can turn around its fortunes. The decisions made this year will be crucial not only for the team’s immediate future but also for the career trajectories of Gasly and Ocon. Jordan’s frank assessment serves as a reminder of the relentless competitiveness of Formula 1, where talent alone is not always enough to guarantee success.