Renault, the owners of Alpine, are eager to witness the team’s success in the near future rather than later. This is in spite of the 100-race plan that Szafnauer and his colleagues had previously implemented.
Enstone’s decline during the Lotus/Genii era is well-known, and even when Renault took ownership for the second time, there was insufficient investment.
During his 18-month tenure at Alpine, Szafnauer spearheaded the effort for transformation in collaboration with the main technical personnel. He pinpointed vulnerabilities and crucial areas of concentration, and initiated a strategy to enhance the team’s infrastructure. It was advantageous that he had recently experienced a comparable undertaking when Racing Point evolved into Aston Martin, providing him with valuable knowledge on what is achievable with sufficient funding.
On his watch a list of major infrastructure improvements, topped by a new simulator, was approved as the next stage of the rebuilding process.
The unusual aspect of the American’s abrupt exit from Alpine is that projects like these typically require a significant amount of time to finish and yield returns. Therefore, the outcomes will not become apparent until two or three years later.
To be fair to his predecessors, long before Szafnauer’s arrival the team had been working hard to close the gap to the established frontrunners.
“We have put in extensive effort,” states Matt Harman, Enstone’s technical director. “This is why I am unable to attend all the races, as we have a significant amount of tasks to complete at the factory. We take great pride in the progress we have made in designing our cars and the exceptional quality of our race car.”
However, the methods we use to manage the team, the internal systems we have in place, the improvements we have made in efficiency, and the ongoing efforts to enhance quality all require time to implement. Additionally, it takes time for the organization and its employees to adapt to a new way of operating and embrace a culture of continuous improvement.
For the past five years, I have made it my mission to incorporate this idea. I hope you will notice traces of it in every aspect, whether it’s our pitstops or our base engineering methods.
Harman provides an instance of a successful innovation.
“We possess a DMU room, which serves as a digital prototype space for car design,” he explains. “Essentially, it is a room equipped with a large CAD screen. We no longer rely on physical mock-ups of the car to evaluate its quality.”
Pierre Gasly, Alpine A523
Photo by: Alpine
“We complete everything using digital technology. In that room, we collaborate on designing the car. It’s like a theater where the car is showcased entirely. We have become accustomed to utilizing it as if we have possessed it for a long time. Initially, when we discussed this concept, individuals struggled to comprehend why it would surpass having a tangible object.”
“It is significantly more advantageous as, when you make your choices within that context and determine your course of action for the race car in advance, under the cost cap, you avoid any unnecessary expenditure.”
“It is definitely one of those indispensable tools. It has most likely saved us a significant amount of time, energy, finances, and improved our performance. It is the small details and subtle aspects that aid us in progressing towards becoming a leading team in F1.”
The team is currently progressing with the shopping list of necessary infrastructure updates that they anticipate will have a significant impact, similar to the DMU room.
Everything has to be done within the capital expenditure limits specified by the cost cap. Like several rivals, notably Williams, the team is hoping that some additional spending leeway will be allowed which will help it to invest in a few extra projects.
“We have identified certain important areas that require improvement as a team,” states Harman. “I believe it is beneficial to do so as it helps everyone stay focused. While our primary focus is on the races held every other week, it is also advantageous to prioritize technical advancement. For the past three years, my main focus has been enhancing both the organization and the car.”
At the forefront of the Enstone site’s current developments is the construction of a new building dedicated to a top priority project: a state-of-the-art simulator. While Formula 1 simulation technology progresses rapidly, Alpine has fallen behind its competitors.
Harman states that they have identified a specific type and level of simulator they desire. The current simulator they possess is outdated but still functional, and the users make the most of its capabilities. However, it lacks the necessary resolution, range, and ability to instill complete driver confidence in all aspects.
“We have made the decision to invest a significant amount. Our goal is to have it implemented and operational, providing essential insights for the development of the 2026 car. This new system will complement our existing simulator, allowing us to compare and analyze data.”
“We plan to retain it indefinitely as it serves multiple purposes, such as supporting our other programs like the Driver Academy. It also serves as a reliable backup in case any issues arise, providing a readily available solution. However, our primary emphasis for the F1 team will be on the new unit and maximizing its potential.”
Esteban Ocon, Alpine
Photo by: Erik Junius
Harman emphasizes that the upcoming sim will serve as an improvement in every aspect and offer evident advantages to the team.
“We will experience significantly improved travel resolution and bandwidth within the unit,” he explains. “Additionally, we will implement an upgraded mechanical system that will provide a more suitable car infrastructure for the driver.”
Initially, there is an increased amount of travel, and the optical system is also improved. The height of the building continues to increase every week as I observe the project. This growth contributes to the overall immersion, which is essential for the driver’s complete involvement.
“We will gain a deeper understanding of the driver, resulting in increased travel in all directions. The travel experience will be enhanced with high-resolution capabilities, allowing us to make improvements to aspects such as ride quality and comprehension of the ride.”
Harman acknowledges that initially, the team will need to align with its true potential, meaning it will be prepared for the future.
“We currently cannot fully utilize certain features of the system we purchased, so we need to develop methods to make use of them,” he explains. “This is all part of our growth. It would be unfortunate if, on the day we launch our simulator, we are already longing for the next one.”
“The engineers have found great inspiration from it, particularly the team leader overseeing the project in that area. It is truly exciting for him to be able to experience the next simulator firsthand and be motivated by the knowledge that we will be providing his team with highly advanced hardware.”
Simulators are commonly perceived as tools for driver training, but they possess immense potential when equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
“I believe that not many individuals are aware that it is a crucial tool we use to provide directions for cars,” Harman states. “We can accomplish a great deal within the simulation realm. However, there are instances where having the driver actively involved and receiving their input is necessary.”
“Additionally, it is crucial to evaluate our latest advancements. We are enhancing our expertise in tire modeling through cutting-edge techniques, aiming to enhance our understanding of tire behavior in relation to overall vehicle performance. Furthermore, we are also focusing on ride quality, development of ride systems, and power unit characteristics.”
“We require the simulator to enable us to develop those elements outside of the circuit, and occasionally utilize the circuit to establish a correlation point.”
Pierre Gasly, Alpine A523
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
“As the limitations on testing continue to increase, and the potential risks of evaluating new hardware at events become more apparent in terms of time commitment, we strongly prefer to conduct as many tests as possible outside of the event.”
Another vital tool that is being upgraded at Enstone is dynamic lap simulation.
Harman states, “Our simulation tools are highly effective. However, we aim to develop a more versatile solution that allows for non-linear capabilities. This will enable us to conduct more comprehensive power unit testing and ride simulations, ultimately enhancing our preparedness for race weekends.”
“We will have the advantage of using a single tool at both Viry and Enstone, which is a great benefit.”
Currently, our main focus is on uniting the two teams in order to ensure that we are utilizing identical tools, communicating in a shared language, and working with the same data. We aim to incorporate their insights from the powertrain aspect and combine it with our expertise in the chassis.
Except for simulation, a crucial new equipment required is a transmission dyno that can handle the requirements linked to the 2026 rules package. All teams responsible for manufacturing their own transmissions must possess the same capabilities.
Harman mentions that they have upcoming technological advancements to comply with the new regulations. As a works team, they are responsible for building everything from the ground up, including the transmission and hydraulics. Consequently, they are considering a substantial investment in a new testing system for this purpose.
“We currently possess an existing system, although it does not encompass the [2026] responsibility. Therefore, we require a completely new system. Essentially, it consists of two absorbers and one input motor that imitates the function of an engine.”
“That puts in the fundamental lap duty torque, but also puts in some of the vibrations that you need, so it has a high frequency capability to it. That gets us quite close to the power unit.“
McLaren has just started work in its new wind tunnel and Aston Martin has one on the way, but for the foreseeable future Alpine is content with investing in regular updates to its existing tunnel.
Harman suggests that it is essential to consider the disparity between what one currently possesses and what could potentially be obtained, and evaluate if it truly has the potential to significantly impact one’s situation. This applies specifically to the possibility of acquiring a new wind tunnel.
“Modifying a wind tunnel is an action that disrupts the system and may result in a decrease in performance. We consistently evaluate and discuss this matter. We have the possibility to pursue this option if we choose to do so. However, currently we are content with our current situation.”
“We consistently make updates to the tunnel during the shutdown to avoid any disruptions to the program. However, we have yet to refresh the primary infrastructure.”
The Alpine logo
Photo by: Drew Gibson / Motorsport Images
The way in which the data is utilized holds equal significance to the wind tunnel itself, and this is another aspect that Alpine prioritizes.
“I cannot reword”
“We are currently developing software that aims to enhance the efficiency of data management, manipulation, and presentation. Our goal is to provide you with a reliable tool for making informed decisions based on the data.”
Apart from the mentioned projects, there is a list of desired items for the long term. Some of these items may only be approved if the FIA decides to modify the capital expenditure allowance and grant teams more flexibility in their spending.
Harman expresses the need to examine our brake testing facilities, evaluate our heat rejection system testing capabilities, and enhance our full car dyno system to ensure they are all top-notch systems.
“We are also interested in examining our approach to validating suspension and finding a way to streamline the process, rather than dividing it into multiple sections.”
“We are unable to complete everything simultaneously. However, as soon as we have the necessary capacity, we will promptly proceed since we possess the means to do so. Our only requirement is to ensure that it is done in accordance with the applicable regulations.”
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