Alpine is already reviewing its copy after the first failed Grand Prix of the season and announces several “organizational changes”

After disappointing results in Bahrain during the first race weekend (Esteban Ocon finished 17th, Pierre Gasly 18th), the French team is carrying out a major reshuffle of its technical management.

Alpine is already making several changes in its management, following a first Bahrain Grand Prix, which looked like a rout – although not surprising. The Renault group brand announces, in a press release published Monday March 4, the creation of “three specialized technical positions (…) to replace the previous structure under a single technical director”.

This decision, motivated by “uperiod of disappointing results” and a technical team “missing several key objectives in its ambitions to fight at the forefront”, should allow the French team to progress this season, and above all to return to efficient operation with a view to the design of the next liveries. These changes follow a first reshuffle in the summer of 2023. The recruits have already been found: “The team announces“The appointments are Joe Burnell as Technical Director (Engineering), David Wheater as Technical Director (Aerodynamics) and Ciaron Pilbeam as Technical Director (Performance).”

After a 2023 season finished in sixth place in the manufacturers’ standings, the Renault group brand saw its two French drivers, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, finish in 17th and 18th places in the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday. The two drivers even took the last two positions on the starting grid, at the end of the qualifying session.

“Not where we want or need to be performance-wise”

“We clearly see that we are not where we want or need to be performance-wise, explains Alpine team director Bruno Famin. It is time to take the next step in terms of organization and people. This new three-pillar structure, with three technical directors, each specialized in different areas, will bring better work and better collaboration.”

Two managers of the team, who partly designed the A524, the car which is not satisfactory at the start of the season, are leaving the team at the same time: “Matt Harman, technical director of BWT Alpine F1 Team, and Dirk de Beer, head of aerodynamics, have chosen to leave the team to take on new challenges”, announces Alpine at the end of its press release. The second Grand Prix of the season is being held this weekend in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), where the Alpine finished in 8th and 9th place last season.