Alpine F1’s new team principal Oliver Oakes attended his first bosses’ press conference yesterday in Austin.
He began by talking about his integration into a team in full doubt about its future: how did his debut go?
“I have integrated very well. Everyone was very welcoming. Obviously, there wasn’t much rest, directly after the summer shutdown, we arrived directly in these races, but it went very well. »
Were the other team directors as warm to the young Briton?
“They’ve all been pretty nice, yeah. Most of them, yes, so far. »
After these cordial greetings, Oakes had his work cut out for him (mostly soapy…). Alpine F1 hasn’t scored any more points since Zandvoort… But the team received some updates this weekend, on Pierre Gasly’s car. Were they satisfactory? Pierre Gasly seemed to indicate a slight improvement…
“Yes, I think we actually had some tough races. At Spa and Zandvoort, we were there fighting for points at the end of the grid (sic). The last races have been difficult for the team, real lessons in humility. »
“But this weekend we are optimistic. We have made a very big change. We have to see how it behaves on the track. Pierre seemed satisfied. I would never say completely satisfied. Drivers are always demanding on many things, but it seems positive, yes. »
“For me, above all, I will really see how everyone works together. I think the team had a rough start to the season (sic). They really came together to work hard, bring performance for these last races of the year. And we remain very humble, it will be necessary [pour ces six derniers Grands Prix] just seeing how we can progress between now and early next year. »
Can Oakes still give a precise objective for Alpine F1: wouldn’t the goal be at least to finish 8th in the constructors’ standings, while Williams F1 is now three points ahead of the French team?
“This battle between us and Williams will definitely continue until the end of the year. Obviously, all the credit goes to them, they are also tough competitors. They have had a fast car in the last few races. it’s definitely their face that we see every day. But at the end of the day, we also know that it’s not just them we want to beat. We have to be better as a team. So, yes, there are a lot of goals. »
No news for weeks for the future power unit?
Meanwhile, Oakes is still waiting to find out which engine Alpine F1 will have in less than a year and a half… now that the team has abandoned its own Renault power unit, everyone expects Mercedes to be chosen. But there hasn’t been any white smoke yet.
Can Oliver Oakes give a date? How did he experience the abandonment of the Renault engine?
“It’s been a bit hot since I arrived. I think at the end of the day, at a group level, we’ve made it clear that we want to have the best engine in the car, and that’s an ongoing process. We are looking at options, and when we have news, we will let you know. »
So he can’t give any date?
“Before the end of the year. Does that suit you? »
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