Otmar Szafnauer BLAMES Alpine’s third-party supplier for Esteban Ocon’s British GP retirement

Both the Alpine’s had to retire from the British Grand Prix due to reliability issues.

Otmar Szafnauer BLAMES Alpine’s third-party supplier for Esteban Ocon’s British GP retirement

Otmar Szafnauer (Getty) and Esteban Occon (Credits: Planetf1)

Esteban Ocon‘s unfortunate retirement from the British Grand Prix occurred abruptly, merely ten laps into the race. Alpine decided to bring him into the pits after the French driver experienced a hydraulic leak in his car. It is worth noting that the specific component responsible for the failure was not manufactured by Alpine, further emphasizing the need to investigate the matter.

According to Otmar Szafnauer, Esteban encountered a hydraulic leak from a supplier-purchased proprietary pump, which he deemed unfortunate. According to the American, this part is usually reliable but unexpectedly leaked, possibly due to pressure adjustments. Szafnauer expressed frustration, marking the second hydraulics failure for Alpine this season. He emphasized the importance of rectifying this issue.

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“Esteban had a hydraulic leak from a proprietary pump that we buy from our supplier,” Szafnauer explained to the media. “It’s a part we buy, and it’s a part that’s usually pretty robust and rarely fails. And it leaked. It leaked from an area of the pump where I think we adjust pressure on it,” Otmar added.

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Also read: Which Formula 1 record did Esteban Ocon break at the Austrian GP?

Alpine looks to bounce back with new upgrades at the Hungarian GP

Esteban Ocon at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix (Image credit: F1)

After a disappointing double retirement for Alpine at the British Grand Prix, the Enstone-based team will look forward to the Hungarian Grand Prix. Team boss Otmar Szafauner recently confirmed that the French outfit will bring new upgrades at the upcoming races.

Speaking to media during the British Grand Prix weekend, Szafnauer confirmed that new parts would be introduced at the Hungarian and Belgian Grands Prix. The upgrades would be more significant at Spa-Francorchamps, including adding a new floor. Szafnauer expressed optimism, stating that the combined upgrades would enhance the overall performance of the A523.

“There’s an upgrade in Hungary, but not that big.Then there’s one at Spa, where there’s a floor [coming]. So, putting all that together, and it’s all additive, I think we should go well,” Szafnauer said.

After a few promising races into the season, Alpine has recently hit a roadblock regarding consistency. The French establishment scored only 47 points in the season, slipping down to P6 in the constructors’ championship. Esteban Ocon has secured the only podium for Alpine at the Monaco GP, putting him P10 in the drivers’ standings.

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