Pierre Gasly recorded a fantastic podium for Alpine in Zandvoort, with a combination of good pace and inspired strategy. Moving forward, the Frenchman hopes to change the often negative rhetoric surrounding the team in F1 news.
The 27-year-old made the decision to stop immediately for intermediates, jumping most of the field and putting himself in contention for a strong result.
However, the remaining seventy laps would test Gasly and Alpine in a variety of ways. Each time, the A523 managed to pull through and make the correct decision.
Even in dry conditions, where Alpine might have feared a drop in performance, Gasly was able to catch and overtake Sainz in the Ferrari – a huge boost for the team.
Speaking post-race, the former Red Bull driver described his emotions:
“Well, it’s obviously very satisfying when you get a reward for the work that we’re all putting in in the team.
“I think this year we came close in Monaco, running in third position, and it was clearly a missed opportunity – with the extra stop, which wasn’t necessary.
“It’s a sort of season where you’ve just got to keep trying, again and again. And there’s going to be a point where things click, and today it did.
“I’m really proud of the team because we haven’t been really fortunate [in 2023]. But you’ve got to keep trying and keep looking at yourself and seeing the areas where you can improve…
“And I hope we can build up from there with the guys.”
Although this is a very strong result for Alpine, in a year where they already secured silverware with Esteban Ocon, it is important for the team to remain grounded.
After all (though performance has been somewhat disappointing), dramatic statements from the likes of Laurent Rossi are what put the spotlight on Enstone.
Sixth in the Championship is likely all Alpine can achieve in this year’s campaign. The priority in the remaining events will be to secure consistent points and prepare for 2024.
The team is still some distance from fighting at the front consistently, but one winter of strong development could drastically change this reality.
Only time will tell if podium finishes will be one-offs or regular occurrences at Enstone.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
