Alpine, formerly Renault have been the biggest underachiever in the recent history of Formula 1. There have been sparse instances of success, no doubt. However, in the long run, the team’s ambitions have been dulled by a constant shifting of the goalpost. That being said, enough seems to be enough at Enstone. And though the team have once again reshuffled their timeline for success, this time around they expect the path to glory to be quicker. But is it prudent?

Ex-team principal, Otmar Szafnauer was shockingly shown the exit doors at Alpine during the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix. And no sooner had the axe fallen on the American than he came out publicly to denounce the top dogs at Alpine. He told SiriusXM, “I believe that Renault’s top leadership, CEO Luca de Meo, like everyone in Formula 1, wants instant success and unfortunately it doesn’t work that way.”

“I couldn’t agree to an unrealistic schedule because when you do that, it’s only a matter of time and everyone gets frustrated. So I came up with a very realistic and possible plan and I think they wanted to cut that plan short with someone else.” But interim chief, Bruno Famin strongly disagrees.

Alpine boss dismisses Szafnauer’s accusations

Despite a bevvy of dismissals and rumors of crippling instability, the ambitions and mood within the team is high. And Famin believes that the recent influx of a whopping $218,000,000 courtesy of Ryan Reynolds and Co. is the right moment for the team to aim big.

He was quoted by Formula1.com as discussing the rationale behind Szafnauer’s dismissal, “Not to change the view, but to reinforce the project and to go faster deploying the brand. And then it was logical on the Formula 1 side where midseason it is clear that we are not where we expected to be.”

Read More: “Become the French Ferrari”: Despite Mattia Binotto’s Dismal Track Record, Renault CEO Makes Shocking Demand

One thing is for sure, Alpine want success and they want it fast. But is the man tipped to replace Szafnauer going to offer anything different from the American’s discarded plans?

Mattia Binotto’s history of patience

What Alpine need currently, given their massive ambitions is a man to come in, and deliver instantly. And with rumors of ex-Ferrari boss, Mattia Binotto tipped to be the next man in charge, his methodical approach at Ferrari may actually be the exact opposite of what Alpine need right now.

Summing up the struggles of the Scuderia in the 2022 season, Binotto explained, “It’s where we need to put our effort, knowing that still yes, the up and downs are as well strategies, and maybe different calls we may have done on the race weekend. But also we will review and improve certainly.”

Binotto seems to be more focused on building a team than to take it to the top instantly. Therefore, is he really the right man to lead Alpine?

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