Alpine’s strong end to the 2024 Formula 1 season was the polar opposite of the start of their campaign, which was dismal, to say the least.
They began the year with what was arguably the slowest car on the grid, suffering double Q1 eliminations at some events including the Bahrain season-opener.
But they slowly bounced back and the culmination of their work came at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix with an impressive double podium for Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.
Out of nowhere, they were in contention and leading the race for sixth place in the constructors’ standings ahead of midfield rivals Haas and Visa Cash App RB at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Pierre Gasly with ‘stunning’ defence in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Remaining with Alpine in 2025, Gasly will have a new teammate in the form of Jack Doohan to work alongside.
They’re taking some positive momentum into the new year, and have ended the season with what has been comfortably the fifth-fastest car.
The final year of technical regulations should see the field separated by less than ever, providing an opportunity for the French outfit to make further gains.
READ MORE: Davidson saw something ‘interesting’ from Gasly in Qatar GP Quali
Speaking on BBC Sport, ex-F1 driver Jolyon Palmer had heaps of praise for Gasly’s heroic defence over George Russell during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“Top-class defence from Pierre Gasly, he’s in third in the Alpine. Another stunning performance from him so far.”
Can Alpine compete at the front in the future?
The trajectory of Alpine in the future is a tricky one to pinpoint, considering the turbulent nature of their last few seasons.
They had high hopes to be competing for regular podiums by now just a few years ago, but it just hasn’t panned out the way they had hoped.
In waving goodbye to Ocon, who accused them of giving him a worse car, they are losing their race-winning and flagship driver.
READ MORE: Esteban Ocon told real ‘reason’ for Alpine axe at Abu Dhabi GP, it was not Haas
It’s a tall order for Doohan to step up to the plate and deliver to the level that the Frenchman has, and his maiden race weekend in Abu Dhabi was a mixed bag.
A fairly boring affair it was, but he didn’t show much outright or blinding pace that he would have hoped to – but again, he’s just a rookie and has time to get used to the demands of Formula 1.
Whether or not Doohan can prove himself on a one-year deal next year is up to him, but there are plenty of drivers that would love to have his seat otherwise if he cannot deliver.
