Szafnauer Hints at Alpine Potentially Joining the Red Bull-Ferrari F1 Title Fight Soon

The 2022 season of Formula 1 has witnessed some exciting races so far. With three rounds completed, Ferrari is comfortably sitting on top of the standings. Charles Leclerc has set the benchmark this season and is already leading by 34 points at the top. Meanwhile, Alpine seems to be the surprise package this season after showing some blistering pace in the first three races.

Multiple issues marred Alpine’s pre-season testing in Barcelona and Bahrain. Nevertheless, they had the pace to match the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes. And they have the ambition to compete with the top 3. Reliability has been a problem, but team principal Otmar Szafnauer believes they are much closer to the top teams in terms of pace and horsepower than what many believe.

Otmar Szafnauer believes Alpine has progressed

The A522 showed plenty of promise in the first three races. Esteban Ocon is currently 7th, right behind the Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull drivers. Alpine is behind McLaren, but they have performed well and are closer to the top 3 in terms of pace.

Alpine are looking to come out on top in the midfield battle and Otmar Szafnauer revealed the Renault engines have only 10 horsepower less than Ferrari and Red Bull. Formula 1’s decision to freeze the engines till 2025 will also boost their prospects.

He said, “We think we’ve taken a step forward in relation to the power unit and that we’re probably 10 horses behind the best. We’re out there, you know. All this is good, it is very encouraging, also taking into account the freezing of the power unit.”

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The statement by the Romanian-American has put the spotlight on Alpine. Fernando Alonso’s qualifying in Australia was an example of Alpine’s pace. He matched leader Charles Leclerc’s time in the first two sectors. However, a hydraulics issue meant the Spaniard crashed into the barriers.

Nevertheless, the potential of the car would have satisfied the team. Alonso has been on the wrong end of the results so far, but he will hope the fortunes will favor him in the upcoming races. With new upgrades planned for the race in Imola, Alpine will hope to compete with Mercedes and Red Bull in the Championship.

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Esteban Ocon’s consistency will also encourage Otmar. Alpine is on the rise, but they will look to resolve their issues to compete with the top 3. With upgrades lined up, where do you think Alpine will finish? Leave your thoughts in the comments.