Alpine F1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer says the arrival of Pierre Gasly as Esteban Ocon’s team-mate in 2023 is “better” than initially anticipated.
The Alpine F1 team has lost Fernando Alonso, who thought he could extend his contract, to Aston Martin, and Oscar Piastri, who thought he could use him in his place, bolted to McLaren.
“I’m happy because Esteban and Pierre[Gasly]they have better training than if they had won the case[di Piastri]”Otmar Szafnauer told AS.
But Otmar Szafnauer was asked if it would have been better if Fernando Alonso stayed with Esteban Ocon.
“Good question,” replied Otmar Szafnauer.
“We had a very good driver line-up this year. Fernando did a great job and is still very fast.”
“I’m happy with the training, but if you ask me next year, I’ll answer you.”
At first glance, 41-year-old Fernando Alonso is leaving the Alpine F1 team frustrated in a year full of crumbling credibility.
Despite this, Fernando Alonso, who was alongside Esteban Ocon at a fan event in Abu Dhabi, said he misses the team.
“You’re lying!” joked Esteban Ocon. “He said he’d be happy to go!”
Fernando Alonso said: “Okay, I’m happy to be out, but sad at the same time. I hope next year I can be in a more competitive car.”
Osmar Szafnauer did not deny that Fernando Alonso is not happy with Alpine’s reliability record for 2022.
“Yes, of course he had more injuries than Esteban. We know that and we know when he could have scored good points. No,” said Otmar Szafnauer.
“But even without Fernando’s problems we would have been fourth in the Constructors’ Championship. That is the goal and we have achieved it.”
“Fourth place was the best we could do this year, so the decision to sacrifice reliability and pursue engine performance was the right one.”
“The car has been slightly modified, so it will be a good foundation for next year. Even though the floor has changed a lot, it’s basically the same.”
