Alpine team boss Otmar Szafnauer ‘welcomes’ lengthy break to stockpile car parts before the Baku Sprint weekend
Alpine are sixth in the constructor's championship after the Australian GP.
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Otmar Szafnauer. Image via F1.
Alpine was the leading mid-field team in the 2022 Formula 1 season. They hoped to keep the momentum going in 2023 as well. Both their drivers, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, have scored points so far. However, the Alpine duo collided in the chaotic Australian GP, at the last restart of the race. This caused both cars to retire as they suffered damage.
McLaren, Alpine’s main rival, capitalized on their misfortune in Melbourne and moved to fifth place in the 2023 constructors championship. Alpine is currently P6. Only three races have been over so far, there are 20 more to go. Hence, the team does not need to fret. By the looks of it, Alpine is busy stockpiling car parts ahead of the next race in Baku. Otmar Szafanuer, the team boss, revealed they have been collecting ample car parts and spares.
Otmar Szafanuer spoke to media outlets and RacingNews365. “Well, the break wasn’t planned but it is a welcome break from both getting ample car parts and spares as well as when we do bring developments. You know there’s a huge effort to make enough of those parts to ensure that you can really push hard – so that definitely helps.” The Alpine boss believes this four-week hiatus before the next race will help the team secure enough car parts.
Alpine revealed the break till Baku will allow them to plan further upgrades
The Azerbaijan GP has a new Sprint format. Team principals like Christian Horner and Guenther Steiner expressed their dislike towards it. Otmar Szafanuer, the Alpine team principal, has joined the criticism towards the Baku Sprint weekend. He believes there is more “jeopardy” because it is a street race, and also, the track configuration is not ideal for this kind of format.
Szafanuer stated, “It does seem that Baku always produces interesting racing and yes, there is more jeopardy because it’s a street race and some of the walls are pretty close.” He also added that the break before the race would be helpful. “Also the break allows you to plan further upgrades that you find through your simulation tools, and knowing that the break is there, you plan them a bit differently – but it definitely helps.”
Otmar Szafnauer also spoke about how the rules should be applied in scenarios like the Australian GP. He wants the FIA to set rules at the beginning and stick to them. It was an unfortunate event for the Alpine F1 team in Melbourne. Both the cars were capable of scoring points and would have increased the lead with McLaren. Not all hope is lost, as they still have plenty of time to redeem themselves.
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