Alpine F1 Team Scores First Points of Season in Miami GP with Strategic Gamble

Published: 2024/5/6 20:03

It was Esteban Ocon who gave Alpine their first points of the season, but if the given strategy was reversed, the main characters might have been reversed too, and Pierre Gasly could have finished 10th in Miami.

Alpine F1 Team boss Bruno Famin said he had a “clear plan” in place ahead of the race.

“The idea is that one car will target an undercut by making an early stop, and for the other car, the virtual safety car (VSC), safety car (SC), and a red flag will be sent out. It was a gamble. to run for a long time hoping for something better,” explained Famin.

“As a result, Esteban was able to score points this time in 10th place.”

It was Gasly who got the “early pit” strategy. Gasly was ahead of Ocon in the first period, but he changed tires on lap 11 when he was running 11th. On the other hand, Ocon was ordered to take a “gambling” strategy and dragged out his time until the 22nd lap, resulting in him being blessed by VSC to regain the bollard, and with this pit he passed Gasly.

Gasly, who eventually finished 12th, five seconds behind his team-mate, confirmed that the important thing was not who got the points, but that the team had the first points expected earlier long earned in the sixth race of the season.

“Time was against me at VSC, but that’s how it is. The most important thing is that we got the first points of the season as a team, and it doesn’t matter if I or Esteban, we are really happy as a team,” said Gasly.

Since they were fighting for last place in the opening few races, it can be said that the latest upgrade package, including weight reduction, has helped the Enstone team to make steady progress.

“Over the last few races, we have gradually closed the gap, and by getting one point today, it feels like our team’s efforts have paid off finally and we have had a good start to the season,” Ocon said.

“It’s only one point and I’m not entirely satisfied with this result, but it’s certainly an important point for us this season.”

“In Bahrain we were on the last row and that’s all thanks to everyone at Enstone and Willy for keeping the faith, being motivated and continuing to improve the car to to be where we are today.”

Of course, the Renault works team cannot be in this position.

“We must continue to work hard to continue fighting for higher positions. We will continue to work hard for the next European round,” said Famin.

2024 F1 Round 6 Miami GPLando Norris (McLaren), who qualified 5th on the grid, took his long-awaited first victory in his 6th year since his debut and the 110th race of his career. He was the 114th winner in F1 history.

The next race, the Emilia Romagna GP, will be held at the Imola circuit and will start with free practice 1 on May 17.

F1 Miami GP Special Feature