Alpine’s Executive Technical Director David Sanchez has revealed the side is working in the background towards introducing a “fair amount” to its 2024 Formula 1 car.
The Enstone-based squad encountered a tumultuous start to the season with an overweight and uncompetitive A524 which was the slowest car in the opening round.
However, Alpine has managed to make gradual inroads since that low point to embark upon a four-race points streak between the Monaco and Canadian Grands Prix.
Sanchez, who was appointed earlier this term, has insisted the car remains similar to the early-season spec and improvements have emanated from weight reduction.
“The car is largely similar to earlier this season. We took out a large amount of weight, now we have the weight limit,” Sanchez told F1.com.
“The progress I would say, since Imola onwards, we’re getting to know more of the car, how to get more out of it, and that’s been the trend.
“Now in the meantime, we’re working at the factory on how to make it better, bring more parts and moving further forwards.”
Esteban Ocon has divulged that Alpine wouldn’t have upgrades until past the summer, with Sanchez confirming that the squad has substantial developments coming.
Asked what Alpine had in the pipeline over the remaining rounds in 2024, the ex-Ferrari Head of Vehicle Concept replied: “We have a fair amount.
“A lot of working is happening at the factory, and now we’ll probably start bringing some parts around the summer break, and probably quite a bit more after.”
Sanchez, who worked at Enstone earlier in his career, is optimistic that the Anglo-French marque boasts the infrastructure to be more competitive than it has shown.
Asked whether Alpine had the pieces in place to make strides up the pecking order, Sanchez answered: “I would think so.
“It was something which for me was a big curiosity when I turned up at Enstone. The site has grown a lot since the last time I was there.
“I would say all the ingredients are definitely in place, now it’s about us at the factory making the most of everything and focusing on the car.”
The Frenchman, who endured a short stint with McLaren prior to his arrival, would not be drawn on discussing who could replace the departing Ocon from next term.
“I think driver-wise we’re still looking into it for next year. We’re focusing on the car for now – well, I’m focusing on the car for now!” Sanchez explained.
“The plan is to try and make a big step forward. Again, we have the resource, now we try and use everything to get the car in the best possible shape.
“We have plenty of ideas, now it’s a matter of delivering them.”
