Esteban Ocon has stated he is satisfied with Alpine’s decision to hire experienced Formula 1 designer David Sanchez as it strives to overturn its flailing 2024 fortunes.
Alpine has endured a disastrous start to the season, with its overhauled A524 car proving to be uncompetitive and overweight in equal measure in the nascent stages.
The Enstone-based squad’s poor opening prompted Technical Director Matt Harman and Head of Aero Dirk de Beer to resign from their roles before the opening race.
Alpine has since switched to a three-pronged technical structure as it bids to replicate McLaren’s revival, with Sanchez hired to lead the team’s amended arrangement.
Sanchez, who obtained extensive experience with Ferrari, moved back to McLaren but departed three months in due to a “misalignment” regarding his responsibilities.
Ocon has commended Sanchez’s return to the Anglo-French marque, citing that it demonstrates the team’s intentions as he weighs up whether to extend his contract.
When asked to assess the progress that Alpine is making, Ocon, who scored the team’s first point in Miami last weekend, answered: “Things are changing.
“You saw the announcement of David Sanchez in the team. The team is making an effort to change things and the team is not happy with the situation overall of being where we are.
“We should be progressing and not going backwards, like it has been the case in this year. Bruno, all the team members, they are competitors and they want to be doing well.
“And, obviously, that is a very strong topic on my side to know that you want to progress towards the front and not just be satisfied with the situation.”
However, Pierre Gasly has cautioned that Alpine will not reap the benefits of such alterations in the short term, which he has admitted has been strenuous on the side.
“It’s tough sometimes because I do think the team is improving in many different areas,” he highlighted.
“Ultimately, it doesn’t show on the track and sometimes it’s quite tough for the guys, because everyone’s putting a lot of effort.
“But at the minute, the car concept that we’ve got is not working.
“The most important thing is how we are able to react. There are a couple of good signings for the team.
“I’m aware that it does take some time. We can’t expect a massive change in a very short space of time.
“But I feel like we’ve got enough data now to really spot what’s working and what’s not, and then it’s a matter of how we tackle it.”
