Esteban Ocon has admitted Alpine has a “tough” task to beat Williams to eighth place in the Constructors’ Championship across the closing Formula 1 races in 2024.
Alpine will venture into the remaining six rounds languishing a disappointing ninth in the standings amid a poor campaign which has delivered 13 points in 18 events.
The Enstone-based squad conceded that it was poised to endure a slow start and that materialised as the revamped A524 was the slowest car in the nascent stages.
But while glimpses of a revival were evident with four consecutive points finishes during the summer, Alpine has since recorded a meagre two points in seven rounds.
Alpine’s recent dip in competitiveness has coincided with Williams introducing upgrades that culminated in a double points haul at last month’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
With the Anglo-French marque now three points behind and the momentum with Williams, Ocon has acknowledged that Alpine is up against it to retrieve eighth place.
“It’s going to be difficult, for sure,” Ocon assessed post-race in Singapore, where he wound up a lap down in 13th place.
“Williams are on a very upward trajectory on their side. They’ve been very quick all season and probably quicker than us most times.
“At the moment, we are ninth obviously in the Constructors’ Championship. It’s reflecting a bit on the car’s performance unfortunately.
“The whole team is trying their best to try and improve the situation, but it’s going to be a tough one to try and recover.
“We haven’t given up, obviously. We are giving our best until the end of the year.”
Ocon has expressed that continuous issues with his car in recent races have provided a tough experience which he hopes will be averted once the campaign restarts.
“It’s been full of problems and issues,” he reviewed.
“We just want to be able to build something good and get some fun at the wheel for me, which is the most important [thing] and something I didn’t have for a while.”
Ocon eager to end Alpine stint on a high
The Frenchman, who will end his long-serving association with the side to move to Haas in 2025, is eager to ensure his stint with Alpine concludes on a positive note.
“Even if it’s been difficult, I’m not giving up,” he insisted. “I still want to finish the chapter with this team on a high. It hasn’t gone the way I would’ve liked.
“At the moment it’s a pretty sad end, unfortunately, but hopefully we can catch things up and be on the better end for the remainder of the season.”
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