Alpine’s 2025 Formula 1 Season Challenges: A Comprehensive Analysis

The 2025 season has not been kind to Alpine, with their A525 Formula 1 car struggling to deliver consistent performance and effective tire management. As a result, the team finds itself 15 points behind Sauber at the bottom of the constructors’ standings. Despite some moments of speed during qualifying, including Pierre Gasly’s impressive run into Q3 on six occasions—highlighted by a notable fifth-place grid position in Bahrain—the team’s overall performance has been erratic. Gasly has faced significant challenges, being eliminated in Q1 four times, showcasing the stark contrasts in the team’s performance throughout the season.

Performance Peaks and Troughs

Austria initially appeared promising for Alpine, with Gasly qualifying in tenth place. He took advantage of the skirmishes at Turn 3, moving up to sixth by the end of the first lap. His choice of soft tires played a crucial role in this ascent, but as the race progressed, the performance of the C5 tires began to fade. Gasly soon found himself overtaken by competitors like Alex Albon and Gabriel Bortoleto during the opening stint.

After his first pit stop, Gasly suspected he had sustained damage that disrupted the balance of his car, leading to a struggle as he slipped down the rankings. His teammate, Franco Colapinto, did not fare any better; he was involved in an incident with Yuki Tsunoda at Turn 4 that resulted in a spin and subsequently received a five-second penalty for impeding Oscar Piastri during a lap attempt. What started as a promising qualifying session quickly turned into a disappointing race.

Gasly expressed his frustrations, noting, "We were just nowhere and there wasn’t much to do, so we tried to stick on track and every corner was extremely tough. It’s unfortunate." He highlighted the competitive nature of Sauber, indicating that they had a distinct edge when it came to tire degradation. "We have to fight with this car; that’s the car we’ve got, and we’ll try our best," he added, emphasizing the need for the team to improve their performance.

A Shifting Team Dynamic

Over the past two years, Gasly has consistently voiced his commitment to helping Alpine succeed. However, the turmoil within the team has made this task increasingly challenging. Since joining Alpine in 2023, Gasly has had to navigate through three different team principals, multiple technical leads, and two CEOs, with the possibility of a fourth team principal on the horizon if Steve Nielsen takes the reins.

This instability has contributed to a sense of lethargy within Alpine, overshadowing the optimism that had lingered following a strong finish to the previous year. The arrival of Ollie Oakes, who enlisted experienced professionals like Dave Greenwood to stabilize the team, initially seemed to turn the tide. Last season concluded on a high note, with David Sanchez’s technical team transforming a heavy car into a competitive contender during the final stages of 2024. Although the team benefitted from a fortunate 2-3 finish in Brazil, Gasly’s subsequent fifth place in Las Vegas and seventh in Abu Dhabi suggested that the performance improvements were sustainable.

However, Oakes’ unexpected departure and the anticipated switch between drivers Jack Doohan and Colapinto altered the team’s dynamics. Despite the ongoing discussions surrounding Flavio Briatore’s third stint with the team in various capacities, it appears that something essential is missing from Alpine’s current setup.

The Niche of Midfield Competitiveness

Alpine has long positioned itself as a bridge between the top-tier teams—Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull—and the midfield competitors. However, the team’s recent performance has seen a decline, exacerbated by frequent managerial changes and a perceived lack of ambition. The competitive landscape has tightened, with teams like Williams and Sauber challenging Alpine’s status, leaving them struggling at the bottom of the constructor standings.

Both Williams and Sauber seem to have embraced a revitalized management approach, complete with clear goals and a vision for the future. In contrast, Alpine appears to be lacking in direction. The once-promising five-year plan, which aimed for a competitive edge within 100 races, now lacks clarity and focus. There are whispers that the team may be ripe for a sale, although management has repeatedly dismissed such speculation.

If Nielsen is indeed chosen to lead the team, he will need to establish a long-term vision for Alpine. Similar to James Vowles at Williams, who identified key areas for investment, or Mattia Binotto at Sauber, who has reinvigorated the Swiss team, Alpine requires a leader who can guide it out of its current malaise.

The Need for Technical Improvements

While Alpine has attracted external investment, it is crucial that this funding is funneled into the technical backbone of the operation. Simply switching from a Renault power unit to a Mercedes may yield some performance gains, but it cannot be the sole strategy. Enhancing power and efficiency is essential, but it does not address the root issues of an inconsistent car with poor tire management.

This situation parallels McLaren’s experience when it transitioned from Honda to Renault engines in 2018. For years, the team attributed its struggles to an unreliable power unit, but when the truth emerged, it helped McLaren redirect its efforts for future seasons. Alpine has the potential to undergo a similar transformation, but it requires the guidance of a knowledgeable operator who understands the complexities of Formula 1.

Moreover, patience is essential; the team must be allowed the time to implement changes effectively, rather than facing unrealistic expectations for rapid improvement within a short timeframe.

The Driving Force Behind Performance

Gasly’s reputation within the team remains strong, but the performance of the second car has been lackluster this season. Doohan has occasionally shown promise, yet consistency has eluded him. Colapinto has faced similar challenges, with decent qualifying performances failing to translate into points during races.

In light of these challenges, Alpine is already looking ahead to the 2026 driver market. Reports suggest that Valtteri Bottas has been approached, and Sergio Perez might be on Briatore’s radar as well. The emphasis on experience seems to be a strategic move aimed at helping the team navigate through its current difficulties.

Ultimately, for Alpine to break free from its current cycle of underperformance, it must adhere to a straightforward principle: formulate a solid plan and remain committed to it. The road ahead may be challenging, but with the right vision and direction, Alpine can work towards reclaiming its place in the competitive hierarchy of Formula 1.