Just when Alpine hoped to leave behind their Formula 1 troubles, they faced new challenges at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours.
Alpine’s journey at the Le Mans 24 Hours was cut abruptly short, as both of their hypercars exited the race due to engine issues within a single hour. Labeled as a significant setback, these mechanical failures dashed the French team’s hopes at the renowned Circuit de la Sarthe. The team had entered the race aiming to reclaim some lost glory from their underperforming F1 season, yet fate had other plans.
With less than five hours into the race, Alpine’s first casualty occurred when Ferdinand Habsburg had to pull over at Arnage due to a mechanical failure in the #35 car. At that moment, the vehicle was running 16th, marking the first notable withdrawal from the competition. This disappointment was shared by Habsburg’s co-drivers, Paul-Loup Chatini and Charles Milesi. In what felt like the blink of an eye, the second car, driven by Nicolas Lapierre, also succumbed to issues—a sudden loss of power forced him to return to the garage with the #36 car, co-driven by Mick Schumacher and Matthieu Vaxiviere.
Alpine conveyed their frustration via social media, confirming that both cars were out due to suspected engine issues. The team remained optimistic, however, pointing out that this was their first year in the Hypercar category. They expressed determination to return stronger next year. Despite the premature end, the #35 car had exhibited impressive speeds during practice and secured a coveted Hyperpole spot during qualifying, offering a glimmer of hope for Alpine’s future endeavors.
In summary, while Alpine’s debut at the Le Mans 24 Hours was met with disappointment, the experience serves as a learning curve. The team remains optimistic and committed to overcoming these challenges as they aim for future success in endurance racing.
