News Summary
- Pierre Gasly revealed that Alpine detected unusual aerodynamic data during wet conditions at the São Paulo Grand Prix.
- The team struggled on intermediate and extreme-wet tyres but showed considerably stronger pace on soft slicks as the circuit dried.
- Gasly finished 14th and Franco Colapinto 13th, prompting Alpine to investigate its wet-weather performance before Las Vegas.
Pierre Gasly revealed that Alpine is investigating unusual aerodynamic data recorded during the wet phases of the São Paulo Grand Prix, after the team struggled for grip in conditions that would normally have suited the French driver.
Gasly finished 14th at Interlagos, one position behind teammate Franco Colapinto, as Alpine failed to score despite demonstrating competitive pace when the circuit dried.
The discrepancy between its wet and dry performance has become the team’s main concern, particularly because both drivers experienced similar difficulties during qualifying and Sunday’s race.
Gasly reveals unusual aerodynamic readings
Gasly had approached the Brazilian weekend with optimism because of his previous success in wet conditions at Interlagos. However, Alpine struggled from the opening stages of qualifying, with both drivers eliminated in Q1.
The Frenchman said the team discovered unexpected readings in its aerodynamic data, although engineers have not yet identified the underlying cause.
“It was a challenging afternoon for us and it’s disappointing not to score points again, especially considering the unpredictable conditions, which I usually really like,” Gasly said.
“We have a lot to review especially with our performance in the wet this weekend as the grip was very poor on both the Intermediates and the Extreme Wets.”
“After yesterday’s frustration in Qualifying, we saw some odd things in the aerodynamic data with the car in the wet which I know we are going to take time to review and further understand.”
The comments suggest Alpine has identified an inconsistency in the car’s behaviour, but there is no confirmation of a damaged component, incorrect aerodynamic configuration or mechanical failure.
Alpine shows stronger pace on slick tyres
The team’s difficulties were particularly noticeable because its performance improved considerably once the track dried enough for soft tyres.
Gasly started 15th and made his first pit stop on lap 17, switching from intermediates to softs. He completed another stint on the same compound before returning to intermediates as rain intensified late in the race.
“I was pretty happy on the Softs in the race today and we were amongst some of the fastest cars on track during the dry part of the race,” Gasly explained.
“It’s a pity that the last few weeks have not gone to plan but I am looking forward to returning home, having a few days to reset, before fully focusing on Las Vegas where we have been quick in the past.”
The improvement on slicks contrasted sharply with Saturday’s qualifying performance, when Gasly finished 18th and Colapinto 17th.
Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen had already acknowledged that the lack of wet-weather pace was difficult to explain because the team had been well positioned strategically during qualifying.
The car’s behaviour therefore requires further analysis rather than a simple change in tyre strategy.
Colapinto confirms Alpine struggled with both wet compounds
Colapinto experienced similar difficulties throughout Sunday’s race, particularly when deciding when to switch between intermediate and slick tyres.
The Argentine started 13th and finished in the same position after completing three pit stops, but admitted that Alpine had been unable to maintain competitive performance whenever the track became wet.
“It’s been a tricky race for us, especially with the weather conditions making things very challenging at the wheel,” Colapinto said.
“We started on Intermediate tyres and then it was about judging the crossover point to Soft tyres and that was not a straightforward call as the grip levels were quite low.”
“Our pace on the Intermediates was not great and that impacted us today and I know the team is looking into why we struggled so much both on Saturday and Sunday in the wet conditions.”
Colapinto also acknowledged that Alpine’s performance improved when the circuit dried, but the late return of rain prevented the team from converting that pace into points.
“We will debrief as a team before heading to Las Vegas where hopefully the conditions will suit us better and we can be better placed to compete for points.”
The result contrasted with Lando Norris’s victory in changing conditions at Interlagos, when McLaren successfully managed the transitions between intermediate and slick tyres.
Briatore demands answers before Las Vegas
Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore acknowledged that the team had underperformed throughout the São Paulo weekend.
“A disappointing end to a weekend where we have, in general, underperformed,” Briatore said.
“It is clear we have work to do to understand how to maximise the car in the wet as it was a weakness for us this weekend.”
“We were amongst the quickest on the Soft tyres in the phase of the race when everyone switched to dry tyres but that soon was no longer the case when the rain returned.”
“There is lots for us to review as a team before we look ahead to the next race in Las Vegas.”
The result leaves Alpine with questions about the relationship between aerodynamic performance, tyre behaviour and changing track conditions.
The team will now use the break before Las Vegas to analyse the data collected at Interlagos, where the unusual wet-weather behaviour prevented it from challenging for points.
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