Former F1 boss makes damning cost cap claim against huge team
Former F1 team boss, Otmar Szafnauer, has shed light on the financial disparities within Alpine, suggesting that the team was well below the cost cap when he took over the Enstone based outfit.
Despite their long-term visions, Alpine has consistently struggled to deliver, often finding themselves in the middle of the Formula 1 pack. While occasional successes, such as Esteban Ocon’s win at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, have highlighted their potential, the team has been held back by various factors.
Issues with their under-performing engine and constant staff changes have hindered Alpine’s ability to compete with the top teams in the sport.
Reflecting on his experience at the team after joining in 2022, Otmar Szafnauer revealed that there was ample opportunity to revamp the team’s structure due to their financial situation.
When I got there, we were double-digit millions below the cap, so we had headroom to hire, Szafnauer explained in an interview with Peter Windsor on his YouTube channel. I had a philosophy that change should not be made for the sake of change. It should be aimed at improving areas that you know will benefit from the change. That’s exactly what I did at Alpine.
Taking the time to assess the team’s weaknesses, Szafnauer made strategic changes. For instance, he established a separate aero performance group, recruited a new head for the group, and expanded it further by hiring additional staff members. These measures aimed to enhance key areas within the team.
Looking ahead to 2024, Alpine faces an uphill battle to improve their performance. However, they have the advantage of having a talented French duo at the helm, with Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon leading the charge. Both drivers possess significant F1 experience and have a clear understanding of the direction the team needs to take to enhance their speed, particularly after spending a season together.
In a bid to regain their competitiveness, Alpine will need to address the challenges they face, notably the subpar engine and the need for stability in their staff. With a strategic approach and the talent of Gasly and Ocon, the team aims to make significant progress and re-establish themselves among the top contenders in Formula 1.
This article highlights Otmar Szafnauer’s insight into the obstacles faced by Alpine and their efforts to overcome them. As the team strives for success, fans eagerly await their progress and hope for improved performance in the upcoming seasons.
