The Japanese GP, apart from the Red Bull celebrations, was a race full of team orders that saw teams swap positions, especially in the top ten. Starting from the top, we saw the McLaren men do so further back, and so did the Mercedes men. Right at the cusp of the points-scoring places, even Alpine issued team orders to Pierre Gasly to swap positions with Esteban Ocon on the penultimate lap. Despite his compliance, these team orders implied by Alpine perplexed Gasly. Naturally, Gasly wasn’t pleased with the swap and made his feelings known. However, after the race, the team’s older driver brought his new teammate up to speed with the rules that govern the French team.

Throughout most of the Japanese GP, the Alpine men ran in their original order with Gasly in front. However, after the team pitted Ocon earlier to undercut his teammate, among others. Gasly caught up to Ocon and was allowed to move past his teammate as he was faster. The positions were swapped once more as Gasly was unable to take advantage of the team orders. Gasly’s complaints fell on deaf ears and Ocon, as revealed on the Chequered Flag podcast, explained the rules that govern Alpine.

Rossana mentioned the incident which had Gasly annoyed at the end of the race. But she also revealed Ocon’s response and said, “Esteban Ocon saying that ever since he’s been at Alpine, that’s the rule. If you switch early on in the race and you don’t make up the places, you have to give the place back to your teammate.”

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A hard way to find out how things work in your new team, but a lesson learned regardless. However, this is the main issue hampering Gasly’s time at Alpine at the moment. He has bigger things to worry about.

Pierre Gasly expresses regret for missed opportunities due to inconsistencies

Alpine has been a shadow of themselves in the current season. It is not down to them losing their drivers as they have more than the capable hands of Gasly behind one of their cars. However, according to Gasly, it’s the inconsistencies that are hampering the team’s overall performance.

The Frenchman believes the team has had the speed to fight, but outside factors have affected their races for the worse.

“There have been far too many races where I have the speed but without the end result to show for it. Finding consistency will be key to reaching our goals and really competing with these teams,” said Gasly and also put faith in his team, expressing they have the right ingredients, just not the right recipe at the moment.

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If and when Alpine gets its house in order, Gasly believes Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren will be within their reach. Let’s hope the 2024 season puts them up there with the front runners.