The former boss of Alpine, Cyril Abiteboul, believes that the team is missing a lead Formula 1 driver in the mold of Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes or Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Following the departure of Laurent Rossi as Alpine CEO, there have been further exits of team principal Otmar Szafnauer, sporting director Alan Permane, and chief technical officer Pat Fry, leaving the senior-level structure depleted.
Abiteboul emphasizes the need for a clearly defined talismanic lead driver to inspire the team and act as a team boss. He points out that current drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly are not enough, and the team requires a driver who can personify the team’s ambition and determination. Abiteboul highlights that in the highly competitive F1 grid where cars are finishing on the same lap, having a standout driver will be the difference-maker.
During his tenure, Abiteboul had paired drivers like Nico Hulkenberg with Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo before teaming up Ricciardo with Ocon. He suggests that the current upheaval and lack of a leader at Alpine risk the team spirit and culture, which are currently deficient. Despite having made investments and having the necessary resources and ambitions, the team needs a unifying force, someone who can lead and bring together the efforts of 1,000 people. Without such a driver, Alpine may struggle to make the most of its potential and corporate strategy with the Alpine brand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lead F1 driver
Q: Why does Cyril Abiteboul believe Alpine needs a lead F1 driver?
A: Cyril Abiteboul believes that Alpine needs a lead F1 driver to inspire the team and act as a team boss, similar to the impact Lewis Hamilton had at Mercedes or Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen at Red Bull. A standout driver can personify the team’s ambition and determination, which is crucial in a highly competitive grid where small differences can make a significant impact.
Q: Who are the current drivers at Alpine?
A: The current drivers at Alpine are Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.
Q: Why did key figures like Otmar Szafnauer and Alan Permane leave Alpine?
A: Key figures like Otmar Szafnauer and Alan Permane left Alpine by mutual consent following the replacement of Laurent Rossi as Alpine CEO after the Belgian Grand Prix. The team also experienced the departure of chief technical officer Pat Fry to Williams.
Q: How does Cyril Abiteboul view the current state of Alpine?
A: Cyril Abiteboul believes that the current state of Alpine lacks a clearly defined talismanic lead driver, and this deficiency risks the team spirit and culture. He suggests that the team has made necessary investments and has the resources, but it needs an individual who can unify the efforts of the entire team and drive them towards success.
Q: How has Cyril Abiteboul previously managed driver pairings at Alpine?
A: During his time at Alpine, Cyril Abiteboul had paired drivers like Nico Hulkenberg with Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo before teaming up Ricciardo with Esteban Ocon.
Q: What does Cyril Abiteboul believe will make the difference in the competitive F1 grid?
A: Cyril Abiteboul believes that in the highly competitive F1 grid, where cars are finishing on the same lap, what will make the difference is the ambition and determination of a standout lead driver who can personify the team’s efforts and unify them towards their goals.
