Alpine, the only F1 team still at zero in the standings
Even with only two Grand Prix contested this season, Alpine is already the only team with a zero score, despite significant progress on the single-seater.
A reissue in 2024? For the moment, it seems to be on that trajectory. In the first two Grand Prix of the season, in Australia and China, Alpine hasn’t scored a single point. Yet, comparing the lap times to last year, there are noticeable improvements. The only problem is that all the teams have upgraded their cars in the same way.
Pierre Gasly fights like mad at the wheel of the Franco-British car, but to no avail. And when he’s on the brink of scoring points, the Tricolore is disqualified for a rule violation. It’s enough to make one furious. Moreover, with reinforced wings, as required by the regulations, the car loses efficiency. Not helping matters.
The Frenchman is sharing the team this year with Jack Doohan, a man whose single-seater experience is very limited. To date, he has only three starts in Formula 1. Under pressure from his superiors, the driver cannot express himself freely. According to several rumors, he is directly threatened by Franco Colapinto, who has impressed almost every outing.
The son of the former motorcycle world champion also made a few mistakes. In Australia, he ended up in the wall. In China, he accumulated 20 seconds of penalties. With all these incidents, it’s difficult to break into the top 10.
The loss of Esteban Ocon is also detrimental. Alpine has let an undeniable talent slip away. As a reminder, the Norman brought the team its best result in 2024 with a second place in Brazil. He was also the only one to secure a victory, with his win in Hungary in 2021. Now with Haas, Esteban Ocon expresses all his talent behind the wheel of a car that has regained performance compared to previous seasons. However, be mindful of the car’s development which could shuffle the deck.
Other rival of Alpine, Williams has secured a very talented duo that knows how to seize every opportunity. The car is also well-born, which benefits the team from Grove. On the Racing Bulls side, even though their strategy failed in China, the driver duo is hungry and wants to make a statement. Isack Hadjar is much more performant than expected and could bring some rewards to his team. Alongside him, Yuki Tsunoda is ready to do anything to climb to Red Bull. The Japanese driver has visibly calmed his nerves and is driving much more cleanly, and it shows.
All these factors do not favor Alpine, which currently has only one leader. Alone, Pierre Gasly will not be able to carry the team. Jack Doohan needs to find his footing, gain confidence, and drive calmly. But of course, it’s easier said than done. Especially when an Argentinean is eyeing his seat. The car has potential, but more work is needed to exploit every percentage of it.
What is certain is that the Franco-British team is off to a better start than in 2024. At the same time, worse would have been difficult. But each stakeholder must work harder to finally reach the points zone, seize every opportunity, and improve the car.
