Former Alpine boss Cyril Abiteboul calls out the team for severe lack of a number one driver who can act as a ‘team boss’

Cyril Abiteboul left Renault in 2021, after being in charge of their team since 2017, when they rebranded as Alpine.

Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly (Credits: GQ Magazine)

Cyril Abiteboul, the former managing director of the Alpine F1 team (formerly known as Renault), has been candidly expressing his views on the team’s current situation. With his experience leading the Renault F1 team, Abiteboul is well-positioned to analyze the current state of Alpine. However, his recent remarks about the team’s behind-the-scenes events have been particularly critical.

Cyril Abiteboul, speaking to France Info, mentioned how Mercedes is synonymous with Lewis Hamilton despite Nico Rosberg‘s achievements. Red Bull is associated with Sebastian Vettel’s first cycle and Max Verstappen‘s second cycle. According to Cyril, a driver who embodies a team leader is essential; as the grid becomes more competitive, ambition and determination will be the differentiating factors.

“When you close your eyes and think of Mercedes, you think of Lewis Hamilton – even though Nico Rosberg did some extraordinary things. When you think of Red Bull, you think of the first cycle around Sebastian Vettel. Then the second cycle around Max Verstappen. You need a driver who is also a bit of a team boss, and this power of personification is fundamental,” Cyril is quoted by autosport.com.

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Also read: “We saved our weekend,” Esteban Ocon rejoices his amazing performance at the Belgian GP amidst a tough atmosphere at Alpine

Cyril Abiteboul claims Alpine F1’s team spirit and culture is at risk

Alpine drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly (Image credit: F1)

In the lead-up to the Belgian Grand Prix, Alpine made significant changes to its leadership team. Team boss Szafnauer and long-time sporting manager Alan Permane were both dismissed. Additionally, Renault CEO Luca de Meo replaced Laurent Rossi as the Alpine brand’s CEO with Philippe Krief just a week before the race. This further justifies Abiteboul’s call to have a lead driver at Alpine.

In the same interview, the Frenchman stated that any changes made may jeopardize the team spirit and culture at Alpine, which is currently lacking. Despite having the necessary investments, resources, group ambitions, and corporate strategy, he believes a strong individual is needed to lead and unite the team effectively. Such a leader could unite a thousand people and drive them toward success.

?️| Martin Brundle on Mattia Binotto to Alpine rumours:

“It can't be ruled out."

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“But I wouldn't be surprised if it were announced." pic.twitter.com/XOdSmpAWeR
— Ferrari News ? (@FanaticsFerrari) August 1, 2023

“Every element that is changed potentially puts the team spirit and culture at risk. The investments have been made, the resources, the group’s ambitions, the corporate strategy with the Alpine brand – it’s all there. When a team has everything, it needs something that transcends it, someone to drive it,” Renault’s former team principal concluded.

After a subpar start to the season, Alpine’s Esteban Ocon put on a stellar drive at the Monaco GP, resulting in the team’s only season podium. After 12 races, the French team headed into the summer break and placed fifth in the constructors’ standings with 57 points.