Alpine reveal “bold” 2024 challenger…

By Joe Murphy

Alpine has revealed their multiple liveries ahead of testing in Barcelona later this month. The A524 2024 car needs to be a step in the right direction for a team currently faltering. With a sports A list among new investors, they will be hoping the issues of 2023 are left far in the past and this model can rejuvenate the constructor.

Last year, Alpine were off form. They had more engine issues than any other team and pace was so bad it even led to senior management staff being made redundant midway through the campaign.

New Team Principal Bruno Famin was with retained pair Pierre Gasly and Estaban Ocon at yesterday’s launch. Like fans, they are looking forward to seeing what this challenger can do when it takes to the track on February 20th, less than two weeks at the time of writing.

So, what about the look? A524 has a darker livery than last year’s model. The black base is new and the blue features in the primary livery will actually be pink at eight races this year, to fulfill the wishes of BWT.

The entire ethos at Alpine is a reset. The team said this car is completely changed to give maximum potential for the final two years, before the regulations changes come into fruition.

Aesthetically, there is an enhanced undercut and a smaller sidepod which will improve airflow and, therefore, cooling. .

The chassis is also new. Like other teams, t
Alpine have gone for the lighter approach in searching for more pace. There is also a new rear design and suspension set up. The pushrod has been moved in attempt to find more performance across he weekend. These changes are aggressive, but you could argue it is exactly what the team had to do to have any chance at being even semi-competitive this year.

In a statement at the launch, Alpine acknowledged the major changes but also justified them; “the project has been bold… we aim to add to the car. We’ve built ourselves a strong platform to add performance when we can and we have set ourselves targets to deliver…”

As always, performance on track is always what ultimately matters as supposed to looks off it. In less than a fortnight, we may have some more answers as to whether Alpine can caused the so-called ‘bigger teams’, any problems.