F1 News: Esteban Ocon Reveals Alpine Shift In Focus Since September In Bid To Have 2024 Comeback

Esteban Ocon's early testing in Alpine's 2024 simulator marks a proactive strategy for the team's comeback in the next Formula 1 season.

Esteban Ocon has been rigorously testing Alpine's 2024 car in the simulator since September, aiming to enhance the team's performance for the upcoming season. This early preparation is part of Alpine's strategy to rebound from a challenging 2023 and compete more effectively next year.

Key Takeaways:

• Esteban Ocon has been proactively involved in the development of Alpine's 2024 car, having started testing in the simulator as early as September. This early involvement is a strategic move by Alpine to address the team's performance issues ahead of the next season.
• The Enstone-based team experienced a turbulent 2023, marked by underwhelming car performance and the departure of key team members, including team principal Otmar Szafnauer. Despite the setbacks, Alpine managed two podium finishes while sitting sixth in the constructors' championship.
• With substantial investment from high-profile investors, Alpine is hopeful yet cautious about the upcoming season. The team is conscious of the challenges ahead, particularly competing against teams like Aston Martin and McLaren. 

Alpine F1 Instagram

The recent reveal by Ocon about his involvement in Alpine's preparations for the 2024 season marks a significant step for the French racing team. Alpine, looking to recover from a challenging year, is banking on early preparations to boost their competitiveness.

Ocon, during a media interaction at the Brazilian Grand Prix, expressed optimism about the team's direction. He noted:

"Obviously the team is very well aware of where they have to go, in terms of improving the current situation. I’ve been driving the car quite a bit in the simulator, the 2024 model.

"Quite early on, compared to usual. So that has been a very good thing, we’ve been able to tackle some issues and to have some early feedback, in comparison to really driving it at the end of November or December, we were able to do that early September."

Alpine's 2023 season was marked by several challenges, most notably in car performance and the departure of key personnel. This upheaval has led to a reevaluation of their strategy, with a focus on regaining lost ground. 

The recent influx of investment has infused Alpine with new energy and resources. However, the team is acutely aware of the significant journey ahead, especially in areas like power and straight-line speed, which are crucial in tracks like the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.