The Formula One team Alpine is currently in a state of disarray. Their car is overweight, and several senior personnel have been either ruthlessly sacked or have left due to dissatisfaction with corporate Renault’s management style.
When the team decided to sign Pierre Gasly, many were surprised given the rocky history he shares with Esteban Ocon. However, having two French drivers in a French team seemed like a good marketing move. Yet, the recent downgrade in the French government’s credit rating seems to mirror the team’s own struggles.
Initially, Alpine had announced Oscar Piastri as Fernando Alonso’s replacement, but due to poor legal preparation, McLaren swooped in, and Alpine lost out. Gasly and Ocon’s troubled history dates back to 2009 when a collision at the Bridgestone Cup soured their relationship. ‘I don’t think we will ever be best friends,’ remarked Ocon. ‘But as long as the atmosphere is great inside the team, that’s what matters.’
Gasly’s recruitment has led to predictions of internal clashes. Ex-F1 driver Karun Chandhok anticipated ‘100 percent, there will be fireworks.’ Ocon’s reputation for running into teammates has not helped; former teammate Fernando Alonso nicknamed him ‘our friend’ sarcastically. Paul di Resta adds, ‘I don’t think too many teammates get on with Ocon.’
The team’s troubles continued with the sacking of team principal Otmar Szafnauer, replaced by Bruno Famin. Famin, with a controversial history, has struggled to manage the team’s highly competitive drivers. A recent incident in Monaco saw Ocon attempting an irrational overtake on Gasly, resulting in damage to both cars. Gasly managed to finish 10th, securing Alpine’s second point of the year.
Famin’s reaction on Canal+ made headlines: ‘This is exactly what we didn’t want to see. We will draw the consequences.’ Ocon, after the incident, left the pit lane, changed out of his race gear, and later apologized on social media. He is set to be replaced by Jack Doohan for the Canadian Grand Prix. Doohan has impressed the team, especially after finding the setup that helped Alpine qualify for Q3 for the first time this season.
Whether Ocon’s replacement by Doohan will be temporary or permanent depends on Bruno Famin’s next move. The Alpine team finds itself at a critical juncture, trying to navigate internal conflicts and leadership challenges.
