The highly anticipated 2021 Formula 1 season promises a compelling blend of seasoned expertise and youthful vigour at the Alpine F1 Team, with racing director Davide Brivio expressing profound optimism for his driver line-up. According to Brivio, the pairing of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso and rising star Esteban Ocon is set to form a “great combination,” poised to drive the French team forward in the fiercely competitive world of motorsport.
Fernando Alonso’s return to Formula 1, following a two-year hiatus, has been a major talking point in the paddock. His journey back to the grid was briefly challenged last month when he sustained a fractured jaw in a cycling accident. However, his swift recovery and subsequent participation in pre-season testing last week underscored his unyielding dedication. Brivio was quick to reassure fans and pundits alike, stating that Alonso is in “great shape, first of all, from a physical point of view,” and his eagerness to return to competitive racing is palpable. This incident only served to highlight the Spaniard’s remarkable resilience and sheer commitment to the sport he loves.
Alonso’s motivation for his return is not merely about participating; it’s about competing at the highest level and pushing his team to excel. Brivio highlighted Alonso’s impactful presence within the Alpine garage: “[He has] strong motivation, he’s really pushing and I think it’s very positive for the team to have this type of driver that tends to stimulate everybody, push everybody to the maximum because he is [also] doing so.” This intrinsic drive is a potent asset for Alpine, infusing the entire operation with a renewed sense of purpose and intensity. The fact that Alonso chose to return to F1, widely regarded as the most demanding class of motorsport, speaks volumes about his profound desire to be back in action and to achieve greatness once more. His legendary status, combined with this unwavering motivation, positions him as a pivotal figure in Alpine’s ambitions for the season.
Complementing Alonso’s immense experience is Esteban Ocon, who himself made a comeback to the sport last year after spending a season without a race seat. Brivio views this shared experience of returning to F1 as a unique bonding element between the two drivers: “I think it’s a very interesting combination. Both had a stop and both came back.” Ocon’s journey since his return has been marked by steady improvements and a clear demonstration of his burgeoning talent. Throughout the challenging 2020 season, Ocon consistently refined his performance, culminating in a significant milestone – his maiden Formula 1 podium finish at the Sakhir Grand Prix. This achievement was a testament to his perseverance, speed, and ability to perform under pressure, signaling his potential as a future front-runner.
The racing director elaborated on Ocon’s promising trajectory: “What we are seeing now is something very interesting because he is continuing this coming back period, so for sure he will take advantage of having stayed one year with the team, one year with the same car.” This continuity, coupled with the confidence gained from his podium, is expected to allow Ocon to truly unleash his capabilities this year. Having acclimatized to the team’s dynamics and the car’s characteristics, he is now in a prime position to build on his previous successes and translate his raw speed into consistent results. Brivio firmly believes that “now it’s time where we can see, I think, his potential and what he can do.” The upcoming season presents a crucial opportunity for Ocon to cement his position as a formidable competitor on the F1 grid.
Brivio emphasized that the blend of youth and vast experience within Alpine’s driver line-up is not just “a great combination” but also one that will be mutually beneficial for both individuals. This symbiotic relationship is expected to elevate the performance of each driver. “Fernando will be important for Esteban in order to show also how he can work maybe in a different way with an experienced driver,” Brivio explained. Alonso’s meticulous approach to racecraft, his strategic insights, and his ability to extract every ounce of performance from a car will provide an invaluable learning opportunity for Ocon. The younger driver can observe and assimilate Alonso’s methods, refining his own skills and understanding of F1’s intricate demands.
Conversely, Ocon’s presence will also serve to push the two-time world champion. “And at the same time Esteban can help Fernando because he’s becoming more and more competitive and I think he will be very competitive this year,” Brivio added. Ocon’s youthful exuberance, recent experience in the current generation of F1 cars, and his relentless pursuit of performance will ensure that Alonso remains sharp and continually challenged. This internal competition, healthy and constructive, is precisely what top teams strive for, as it drives both drivers to greater heights, ultimately benefiting the team’s overall performance. The dynamic interplay between Alonso’s wisdom and Ocon’s rising star power creates a potent internal ecosystem for development and success.
This strategic pairing underscores Alpine’s ambitious outlook for the 2021 season and beyond. With Alonso providing a benchmark of excellence and Ocon demonstrating consistent growth, the team is well-positioned to make significant strides in the Constructors’ Championship. The engineering feedback, the competitive spirit, and the shared goal of pushing the team forward will be instrumental in Alpine’s development program for the current and future regulations. Brivio’s enthusiasm for this particular partnership is palpable, reflecting a belief that the sum of these parts will be greater than their individual contributions. “So I like this combination and I’m really looking forward to see both in action. I think Fernando can give us good results and Esteban for sure will also follow.” The F1 world eagerly awaits to see how this intriguing blend of talent and experience unfolds on track, as Alpine aims to establish itself as a consistent contender.
2021 F1 season
- Masi ‘basically gifted the championship’ to Verstappen says 2021 FIA steward Sullivan
- Las Vegas race backers looking to extend F1 deal beyond 2025
- Why Mercedes put ‘a reminder of joy and pain’ on display in their factory lobby
- Verdict on error in GT race suggests Mercedes would have lost 2021 Abu Dhabi GP appeal
- Title ‘stolen’ from Mercedes made us ‘underdogs people cheer for’ – Wolff
Browse all 2021 F1 season articles