Otmar Szafnauer: “It could have been worse”

The new generation of single-seaters has created some surprises during the first two Grand Prix of the season. In Bahrain, three drivers were forced to retire, including both Red Bulls. One week later, two drivers did not start in Saudi Arabia, and only thirteen cars crossed the finish line at the checkered flag.

For the new team principal of Alpine, Otmar Szafnauer, the rules surrounding engines play a role in this series of retirements, he revealed. Nevertheless, the engine engineers have tried to make as many improvements as possible before that. Starting from the 1st of March, teams can practically no longer make any changes to the engines. However, until the 1st of September, they are allowed to proceed with some modifications to the electronic control system, the battery, and the generator.

The results of Alpine in the first two Grand Prix are not as catastrophic as Szafnauer might have thought. Esteban Ocon has entered twice and scored points, and his teammate Fernando Alonso has also collected some in Bahrain.

« It could have been much worse,” admitted Szafnauer, pleased with the work done. « I was surprised, especially in Bahrain, by the lack of problems there were. Many fans remember the day we arrived at the first race and only saw six or eight cars make it to the checkered flag just in time. Today, we have a completely different level of reliability.