Alpine has a very clear development plan according to David Sanchez
Executive Technical Director of Alpine, David Sanchez assessed the first few months of his tenure within the French team. He believes that the team is heading in the right direction for the seasons to come.
Last May, David Sanchez made his return to the Alpine team, where he had started his F1 career between 2005 and 2007 (Renault at the time). Struggling this season in terms of sports performance, Alpine is only in 8th place in the constructors’ standings with a mere 18 points after 16 races. The engineer has the heavy responsibility of turning things around.
His first months have allowed him to take stock of his team’s needs in order to hope to return to the forefront soon. One of the main points of focus for me has been to look inside the team, to ensure that we have all the necessary resources to continue producing a car that works better and better, says the technical director.
Competitive in 2026?
The objective is clear for the French engineer: to think long-term and continue to improve year after year. The main question is how we will continue to improve the team and the car so that we can be in a competitive position by the end of this year, next year, and especially from 2026, he insists.
To believe in an improvement over the months, Sanchez is counting on continuity and the fact that his teams are moving forward in the same boat: Currently, we are focusing on a very clear development plan and a very clear direction for the current car and next year’s car, which will be a continuation. According to the former Ferrari employee, Alpine is on the right track: We have very good signs in terms of aerodynamics and simulations.
New equipment, while waiting for an engine partner?
Many changes then followed, especially on the French Enstone team’s site: « When you tour the factory, you see many areas that look like construction sites ». David Sanchez mentions the construction of « many facilities, a new simulator, and all of this once again to ensure that as a team, we have all the necessary resources to materialize all the engineers’ ideas ».
The changes are therefore underway for Alpine, which could experience a major turning point in its history by the 2026 season. The French team announced the cessation of Renault engine production for F1 with the entry into force of new regulations. The verdict should be announced before the end of the month and could be followed by the announcement of its new engine partner.
