Alpine F1 at the Portuguese Grand Prix: Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon at the Algarve International Circuit (AIA)

Tasked with taking over the paddock space previously occupied by Renault, Alpine F1 makes its debut at the Portuguese Grand Prix, held at the Algarve International Circuit (AIA). It was the perfect moment to speak to the team’s drivers, Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon, about what they’re expecting from the third round of the season.

As you might imagine, the conversation began with the two-time world champion’s view of the Portuguese circuit. Alonso made it clear he’s a fan of the Portimão layout-a track where the Razão Automóvel team has also raced in the C1 Trophy (albeit at considerably lower speeds).

Even though he has never raced at the AIA, the Spanish driver is far from unfamiliar with it. Between simulator work and tests he has previously completed there, Alonso said the Portuguese track is “fantastic and challenging”. In his view, that comes down to the fact that almost no part of the circuit feels like a copy of a section from any other venue.

Measured expectations

While both Alpine F1 drivers spoke positively about Portimão, Alonso and Ocon were careful not to overstate what they can achieve this weekend. After all, they stressed that the gaps across the field are extremely tight, and that even the smallest mistake-or a slight dip in form-can be heavily punished.

On top of that, both the former champion and his younger team-mate believe the A521, Alpine F1’s single-seater, still needs significant development. They have even seen evidence of a performance step backwards compared with last year’s car.

With Renault having struggled at Portimão in 2020, Alpine F1’s targets are to reach Q3 (the third part of qualifying) and to score points in Portugal. Asked to name a favourite for victory, Ocon was unequivocal: “I think the win will go to Max Verstappen”.

An ideal year to innovate

We also put questions to the Alpine F1 drivers about the new sprint qualifying races. On that topic, both drivers sounded supportive of the change.

Discussing the new regulations more broadly, Fernando Alonso acknowledged that this is where Alpine F1 is concentrating its attention, because the changes should help to “level” the Formula 1 pack. Ocon added: “I haven’t driven the simulator with the 2022 specifications yet, but from what I’ve heard the cars will be slower. Even so, it seems to me it will be easier to overtake and the races should be closer”.

There is still plenty to debate

Looking at today’s grid, one thing is immediately obvious: the blend of experience-there are four world champions on track-and youth.

On this subject, Ocon played down any sense of pressure, saying that having a driver like Alonso in the team is both a learning opportunity and a source of motivation, because “all young drivers want to show they can take on the best”.

Alonso, meanwhile, pointed out that this mix leads to races in which different drivers take entirely different approaches, with some relying more on experience and others leaning on outright speed.

As for Alpine F1’s expectations this season, Alonso appeared firmly focused on what lies ahead, while Ocon admitted that matching the podium he achieved at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix will be difficult. Still, he emphasised that there remains a lot to uncover about the car’s true potential.

Finally, neither driver was willing to commit to firm championship predictions. Although Alonso and Ocon both accept that, for now, everything seems to be pointing towards “Hamilton vs Verstappen”, they also reminded us the season is still in its early stages-and that only around the 10th or 11th race will there be solid data indicating who the real favourites are.

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