Alpine’s 2024 season was looking dismal at the start of the season when they turned up to Bahrain with a car that was over the weight limit and unreliable.
During the pre-season crash tests, the A524 had failed the side-impact load test on the monocoque and had to reinforce the design to meet the FIA specifications.
Alpine would later introduce a series of weight-saving measures throughout the season, which would enable them to finish higher up the order with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.
Their breakthrough performance would come at the Sao Paulo GP where both Alpine drivers finished on the podium behind race winner Max Verstappen. The double podium not only secured their sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship ahead of Haas, but it prevented them from losing millions in prize money.
Team executive advisor Flavio Briatore has revealed the French outfit’s ambitions for next season when speaking to Le Parisien.
Flavio Briatore reveals ambitions to finish ahead of Aston Martin
Briatore was drafted into Alpine midway through the season to turn around their fortunes, after a mass exodus of backroom staff including team principal Bruno Famin.
Famin was replaced by Oliver Oakes, in a move that could tee up a potential sale of Alpine to Hietech in the future as Renault becomes less involved. Either way, Briatore still has ambitions for his team and revealed where he expects them to place next year.
“In 2024, we finished 6th. This is great news because it brings us much more money than a 9th place. Next season, we must finish 5th in the constructors’ standings ahead of Aston Martin,” said Briatore.
“In 2026, we must aim for podiums and victories. And in 2027, the title.”
Alpine going up against Adrian Newey at Aston Martin
It is lofty ambitions for Alpine considering where they were at the start of the season and the inherent disadvantage they have over other teams.
Their Renault power unit, which will be used for the last time before they switch to Mercedes power units in 2026, is 20bhp down on the competition which impacts their drivers severely at the high-speed circuits.
With them also using Mercedes engines, next year Aston Martin will welcome Adrian Newey to their technical fold as they bid to become World Champions.
Newey’s track record of improving teams over the years speaks for itself, with him expected to work the same magic at the Silverstone-based team. Aston Martin made a lot of mistakes with their car development this year, and Newey’s expertise will help rectify that.
Alpine is still undergoing its transitional period and with a rookie in the car next year, it seems highly ambitious for them to be thinking about anything more than a top six in 2025.
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