In a turn of events that no one saw coming, Alpine catapulted into sixth place in the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship standings after a stunning double podium at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly delivered second and third-place finishes, adding a massive 33 points to Alpine’s tally and vaulting the team from ninth to sixth in just one race.
The unexpected result has turned the midfield battle into a nail-biting three-way showdown between Alpine, Haas, and RB with just three races left in the 2024 season. The stakes? Millions in prize money, pride, and the momentum to carry into next year.
A Perfect Storm: How Alpine Capitalized on Chaos in Brazil
The wet and wild conditions at Interlagos, combined with savvy strategy, played perfectly into Alpine’s hands. A mid-race red flag caused by Franco Colapinto’s crash allowed the team to reset and maximize its positioning. At the restart, Ocon and Gasly found themselves at the sharp end of the grid, maintaining their positions to the chequered flag behind race winner Max Verstappen.
Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes, still in his first year at the helm, credited the team’s resilience for the breakthrough result. “It’s a great result for the team,” Oakes said. “We’ve taken a lot of criticism this season, but this shows how much it means to everyone at Enstone and Viry.”
Midfield Battle Intensifies: Alpine, Haas, and RB in the Mix
With 49 points, Alpine now leads Haas (46 points) and RB (44 points) in the fight for sixth place. The extra $50 million in prize money that comes with securing the position would be a major boost for Alpine as it continues its rebuilding process.
While Alpine celebrated, their rivals left Brazil frustrated. Haas, which had been surging thanks to recent upgrades, faltered with a black flag for Nico Hulkenberg and a lackluster 12th-place finish for Oliver Bearman. Team boss Ayao Komatsu admitted the team underperformed, saying, “We didn’t maximize everything here. We need to reset and refocus for the final races.”
RB also had a solid points haul with Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson finishing seventh and ninth, respectively. However, Technical Director Jody Egginton couldn’t hide his disappointment: “Seeing what Alpine achieved, we’re left frustrated. There was potential for more points.”
Oakes Brings Fresh Leadership to Alpine’s Revival
Since joining Alpine mid-season, Oliver Oakes has injected fresh energy into the team. At just 36 years old, the youngest team principal on the grid has faced a steep learning curve but is already making his mark.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Oakes emphasized the importance of momentum. “When I arrived after the shutdown, we were struggling. But we’ve seen improvements—points in Mexico, a solid showing in Austin, and now this result in Brazil. It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone back at the factory.”
Oakes also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of F1’s midfield. “You can be strong early on and fall away later, but still finish well in the standings. That’s why we need to stay grounded and focused for the remaining races.”
The Road Ahead: Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi
The final three races of the season—Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi—will determine the outcome of this fiercely contested midfield battle. While the fight for the Constructors’ Championship among McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull grabs headlines, the sixth-place showdown carries significant weight for Alpine, Haas, and RB.
Oakes is cautiously optimistic. “I think we should be able to have a good go at those tracks. But in F1, whenever you think it’s easy, it gets really tough. We’ll keep our feet on the ground.”
Midfield Drama Worth Millions
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Beyond the financial windfall, finishing sixth would mark a significant morale boost for Alpine, which has faced criticism and challenges throughout 2024. For Haas and RB, losing out would mean a missed opportunity to capitalize on their recent gains.
With so much on the line, the midfield battle is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling subplots of the 2024 Formula 1 season.