F1 News: Jacques Villeneuve Questions Alpine’s Dramatic Performance Drop - “It’s Embarrassing”

Former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has branded Alpine's drop in performance as "embarrassing".

Oct 21, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; BWT Alpine F1 driver Esteban Ocon (31) of Team France drives / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

In recent comments to OLBG, former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has voiced his astonishment at Alpine's severe performance decline. Villeneuve compared Alpine's regression to Red Bull's advancements, highlighting the contrast as a point of embarrassment for the team.

Key Takeaways:

• Jacques Villeneuve criticises Alpine for their significant drop in performance, calling it "embarrassing".
• Former team owner Eddie Jordan has also recently openly criticised Alpine's management and hinted at a potential sale due to Renault's reduced involvement.
• Alpine's struggles have been compounded by internal issues and the underperformance of their 2024 car, the A524, leaving them at the bottom of the Constructors' Championship.

Nov 17, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; BWT Alpine F1 driver Pierre Gasly (10) of France drives / Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

The situation unfolding within the Alpine F1 team has caught the eye of many within the sport, including former world champion Jacques Villeneuve and ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan. Both have expressed significant concern over the team's current trajectory, particularly in light of recent management decisions and the car's performance on the track.

Alpine's recent downturn has been marked by a series of internal shakeups and strategic missteps. The dismissal of team principal Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane sparked a debate on the team's direction and stability. Villeneuve commented on the situation:

"How could a team go backwards like Alpine has done? It is amazing as Red Bull have produced a car that is better than what they had. It is embarrassing. They are constructors."

Oct 21, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; BWT Alpine F1 Team driver Fernando Alonso (14) of Team Spain / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Former team owner Eddie Jordan has also criticised the French team recently on the Formula For Success podcast. He explained:

“I think they got rid of Otmar prematurely. I think that was a mistake.

“I think he’s a talented person who certainly knew how to keep that team in the right direction and the results that they had very soon after they let him go were indicative of where somebody had left a platform of a style of management that they could embrace.

“At the moment, they are the most floundering team. It is absolutely embarrassing. I find it embarrassing to watch."