Speaking about the Alpine team, Brundle said they had “another dismal weekend.”
“They really are struggling for any kind of pace or direction, and having lost so many experienced people you really can’t help but wonder how long it will take to turn around,” he added.
Brundle’s comments referred to the surprise announcement at the start of the month that two key members, technical director Matt Harman and head of aerodynamics Dirk de Beer, had left Alpine. Although the reasons for their departure remain unclear, reports suggested the two team members handed in their resignations before the unveiling of the Alpine’s new car back in February. Team principal Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane have also recently left, highlighting their difficulty in keeping experience and talent among their ranks.
However, Brundle did admit there was one silver lining for the team, as Gasly was able to beat Valtteri Bottas. On Sauber, Brundle said they “risk getting a parking ticket at a pit stop because it takes so long, while they address a design issue on their wheel nut and axle.”
This is already the second time this month that Alpine has publicly been in the firing line. Only two weeks ago, Eddie Jordan labelled them the “most floundering team” in F1 and described their situation as “absolutely embarrassing”. Jordan added: “Alpine have been disgraceful in not being able to perform for their drivers, for their team, to give them that car to compete in the championship. It’s unacceptable. I wouldn’t put up with it. Shocking.”
It would be fair to say that Reynolds’ start to life in F1 has been disastrous, with the Hollywood actor having purchased a 24% stake in the team only last year. Actors Rob McElhenny, who is joint owner of football club Wrexham alongside Reynolds, and Michael B Jordan were among those involved in the consortium which bought almost a quarter of Alpine before the start of the season.
The team will now have to turn their attention to the Japanese Grand Prix, where both drivers will be hoping to improve on their nightmare start to 2024.
