Chinese GP 2024: Pierre Gasly “Compromised” by Alpine While Esteban Ocon Enters the Top 10 With Upgrades

“Guys this is not acceptable. I haven’t learned anything, absolutely nothing,” said a disapproving Pierre Gasly after his practice session (which will be the only free session of the season of the weekend) came to an abrupt end owing to car issues. Tides of times haven’t been kind to Alpine, as they seemingly have gone backward in the development race. The French team has been facing issues every race weekend and for the Chinese GP, troubles have decided to knock on Gasly’s doors.

But the weekend hopes aren’t entirely gone. It seems like a mixed bag of emotions. The good news is that Alpine seemed to have brought in upgrades for the Chinese GP. However, that might be bad news (only for Gasly) as the new floor and chassis were given to his teammate Esteban Ocon. Perhaps that is why Ocon was able to finish the FP1 inside the top 10 when his teammate had quite a lackluster outing.

Having said that, according to senior F1 writer, Luke Smith, Alpine has disclosed the real problem with Gasly’s car. The team stated Gasly’s session was “compromised with an insulation issue with ERS” on his car.

But does this mean Alpine’s future is in hot waters? Can the team be sold to an able management if the Renault group is unable to manage it?

“The team is absolutely not for sale”: Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon’s future not in choppy waters says Bruno Famin

One needs to remember that this is a world champion team despite its current struggles. The same team who brought an end to Michael Schumacher’s dominance (with a little help from Fernando Alonso, of course) celebrates not getting knocked out in Q1. And since last year the downfall has just sped up with key figures leaving or getting booted to the team simply not being able to build a decent machine for their able lineup.

According to Formula 1.com, a form like this could make the Renault Group board question their involvement in Formula 1. However, that is not the case, according to team boss Bruno Famin. He said, “We have a real project with Alpine. We have the project to develop Alpine brand awareness globally through motorsport and Formula 1 in particular. We have the full support of the top management. The team is absolutely not for sale. We will keep pushing to reach our goals”

While Famin seems pretty confident about his team’s future, what do you think the future holds Alpine? Let us know in the comments below!