Pierre Gasly convinced Alpine ‘got closer’ to Aston Martin in 2023

Pierre Gasly admitted that Alpine fell behind its development targets in 2023.

Pierre Gasly convinced Alpine ‘got closer’ to Aston Martin in 2023

Pierre Gasly [L] Fernando Alonso [R] (images via IMAGO)

Alpine had an underwhelming start to the 2023 F1 season. The French team was in a no man’s land this year as it was behind rivals such as Aston Martin and McLaren but had a comfortable gap to Williams and AlphaTauri. However, Pierre Gasly insisted that the Enstone-based team managed to make decent progress in the latter half of the season.

The French driver admitted that Alpine lagged behind its competitors in terms of electrical power. Moreover, Gasly pointed out that the Enstone-based squad failed to meet its aero targets over the course of the year. Although the 27-year-old acknowledged that the team made some improvements, it was nowhere near the astounding progress made by McLaren.

We lack energy, especially when it comes to electric power. But also in terms of aerodynamic development we do not meet our objectives. We made some good improvements, but it was nothing compared to McLaren, for example.
Pierre Gasly told Auto Motor und Sport

Pierre Gasly highlighted Aston Martin’s impressive start to the 2023 F1 season. The Frenchman insisted that Alpine closed the gap to the Silverstone-based squad in the latter half of the season. However, Gasly admitted that the progress did not meet the team’s objectives with a lot of room left for further development.

Aston Martin had a better start to the season than we did, but then we got closer in some races, which shows we got better. Of course, not as much as we would have liked.

Alpine need a strong 2024 F1 season

Alpine targeted to fight at the front of the grid in 2023. However, the French team ended up moving backward in the pecking order due to the rise of Aston Martin and McLaren. Moreover, the instability of the team’s management structure received criticism from many in the paddock. As it meddled in Alpine’s operations.

Alpine's Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon at the Mexican GP
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon at the Mexican GP (image via IMAGO)

The Renault works team decided to sack major figures this season including Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer. Now, Alpine needs to find a new direction for 2024 under the leadership of Vice President and Interim Team Principal Bruno Famin. Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon would be hoping for a better car next season to fight for podiums regularly.

The Enstone-based team failed its 100-race objective to become a front-runner in F1. Now, Alpine needs to make steady progress in the upcoming season to ensure that it stays on the right track. Although, it remains to be seen if Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly get the chance to match their rivals next season.

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