Alpine F1 Boss Explains How Their Engine-Chassis Deficit is Exactly Opposite to Ferrari

Scuderia Ferrari had a dreadful season last year. The Italian team failed to register a single win in 2020, making it their worst season in Formula 1 for over 40 years. The Maranello-based team who have a record of 16 constructor’s championships to their name could only finish sixth in 2020.

Although, the Ferrari team principal, Mattia Binotto, after the Hungarian GP, revealed their 0.7s deficit to pole (which is half of the last season) in the first half of this season has been 60% power unit and 40% chassis.

Meanwhile, the Alpine F1 team director, Laurent Rossi, claims their engine-chassis deficit is “exactly the other way around” to Scuderia Ferrari.

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What did Laurent Rossi say?

Alpine (previously known as Renault) finished ahead of Scuderia Ferrari in the constructor’s championships at P5 last season. While this year, the Maranello-based outfits have made major upgrades to their machinery and currently sits ahead of the French team.

Meanwhile, during an interview with Auto Motor Und Sport, when asked about the Alpine’s comparison with Ferrari who attributes 60 percent of the deficit to the engine and 40 percent to the car, Laurent Rossi replied: “Exactly the other way around.”

Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 27, 2021. Alpine’s Fernando Alonso during practice REUTERS/Johanna Geron.

“We had problems with the wind tunnel in winter. That cost us two weeks of development time. In addition, we didn’t get everything right when it came to design. In a rough estimate, two-thirds are due to the car and one-third to the engine.” (Quotes translated via Google)

So far I’m happy with the season: Rossi on Alpine season so far

After losing their star driver, Daniel Ricciardo to McLaren, many thought Alpine will struggle this season. But it turns out to be the opposite after Esteban Ocon secured the first win for the Enstone-based team since the 2013 Australian Grand Prix.

Meanwhile, when asked, Did Alpine live up to your expectations for the season, Laurent Rossi replied: “So far we are on schedule. Even if we still have too many fluctuations. At the beginning of the season, we lagged behind in seventh place.”

Formula One F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – August 1, 2021. Alpine’s Esteban Ocon celebrates with teammate Fernando Alonso after winning the race Pool via REUTERS/Florion Goga.

“The fact that we regained fifth place without harming ourselves for 2022 shows that we have the potential to fight back. This will become more important as we fight for the positions we hope for in 2022. So far I’m happy with the season,” concluded the Alpine director.

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Can Alpine win another race this season? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.

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