This year, the Alpine F1 Team experienced a 2024 season of two halves, transitioning from a challenging start to an impressive comeback at the end of the championship. The highlight was a stunning double podium at the Brazilian GP and Pierre Gasly’s remarkable finish to the season.
This transformation wasn’t a stroke of luck but the result of a deep restructuring led by Oliver Oakes and the controversial Flavio Briatore under the leadership of Luca de Meo. Here’s a look back at the bold decisions that reshaped the French team in 2024.
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A strategic restructuring for a more agile Alpine F1 Team
Upon taking charge of Alpine F1 Team, Oliver Oakes made waves by significantly reducing staff at the Enstone site, cutting the workforce from 1,100 to 900 employees. This move refocused efforts on the essentials: building a competitive F1 car and maximizing efficiency within a budget cap environment. By abandoning the 2026 engine development program in Viry-Châtillon, France, in favor of a partnership with Mercedes, Alpine F1 Team was able to reallocate its resources differently. “It’s all about creating a better car and focusing on race commitment,” Oakes explained. This philosophy has delivered results, as evidenced by performance improvements under the technical guidance of David Sanchez. By prioritizing efficiency, Alpine aims to rejoin the midfield pack’s leading edge in the coming years.
Enstone: A historic factory with modernized resources
Enstone is a legendary Formula 1 base that has adapted to the times. Over recent years, significant investments have been made to equip the team with cutting-edge facilities, including a state-of-the-art simulator, a new engine test bench, and other essential infrastructure. These tools enable Alpine F1 Team to remain competitive in a sport where innovation never sleeps. For Oakes, one of Alpine’s key strengths lies in its workforce. “The main asset today is having the right people, and we have a lot of them at Enstone,” he emphasized. This blend of heritage, expertise, and innovation positions Alpine well to tackle future challenges.
A promising future without a set timeline
Despite the progress, Oliver Oakes remains cautious about short-term ambitions. While he hasn’t set a specific timeline for a return to the top, he expresses confidence in the team’s ability to capitalize on its resources. With Renault‘s support and ongoing investments in the team, Alpine is well-positioned to fight again at the front of the midfield. However, the competition in Formula 1 remains fierce, and the road back to the front will be challenging. Alpine must continue innovating and optimizing its processes to compete with teams like McLaren, Aston Martin, and Ferrari. But with a clear direction and the right resources, the team seems to have found the right formula. Now, it’s all about execution—and for that, the team can rely on Pierre Gasly, who, it’s worth noting, didn’t cost his team a single dollar in damage this year!
This article explores Alpine F1 Team’s transformation through bold restructuring and strategic investments. From reducing staff at Enstone to abandoning the 2026 engine program and improving facilities, the team is doing everything possible to regain competitiveness. While the 2024 season marked a turning point, hopes for continued progress are growing for the future.
Images: © Alpine Media
