Formula 1 Weight Issues Continue to Plague Alpine’s Performance, Says Esteban Ocon
In the world of Formula 1, Alpine driver Esteban Ocon disclosed that a weight disparity between his and teammate Pierre Gasly’s cars has been hampering their performance in recent Formula 1 rounds. The issue has come to the forefront after Ocon’s marginal Q1 exit in Montreal, which he blames on the extra weight.
“We have a difference in terms of weight between cars as well, since a couple of events, something we will rotate and that will be on Pierre’s car soon as well,” Ocon explained.
This weight disadvantage, estimated to be around “a couple of kilos,” has added to the list of challenges the team faces, preventing them from progressing in the Formula 1 standings.
The Enstone-based squad’s A524 car has struggled with weight issues since its launch, with concerns that it was above the minimum weight limit. The team introduced a new lightweight chassis at the Chinese Grand Prix to address the issue, but it seems that the problem persists. Ocon and Gasly have been alternating who takes the weight hit, with Ocon shouldering the burden in Canada.
Despite this setback, Ocon showed his skill with an impressive drive from 18th on the grid to 10th place. However, he was displeased with the team’s decision not to swap the cars back at the end, allowing Gasly to chase Daniel Ricciardo.
“No, it is unexplainable, that one,” Ocon expressed his frustration. “I’ve always respected the instructions that I’ve been given, as a driver, and I’ve done that once more. I’m the nice guy!”
Alpine boss Bruno Famin downplayed the suggestion of an intra-team meltdown, stating that utilizing team orders is never popular with one driver.
“There’s no real friction,” Famin said. “They are drivers, and when you ask one driver, whoever it is, to give his position to his team-mate, generally it’s not so easy.”
With Ocon confirmed to be leaving Alpine at the end of this season, the team’s struggles will need to be addressed if they hope to climb the Formula 1 standings. As it stands, the Formula 1 news is not favorable for the French team, and they will need to find a solution to their weight issues if they want to be competitive.
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