After a dramatic race in Brazil, Alpine moved up from ninth to sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship, earning them a potential financial boost of $30 million, or “29.2 million” to be exact, according to Flavio Briatore.
At the start of the season, Alpine’s A524 car struggled with both weight and a lack of power, leaving the team near the back of the grid for much of the year. Despite gradual improvements, they were still far from competing for top positions, managing just 14 points in the first 20 races of the season.
But then came Brazil.
The rain played a huge role in the Brazilian Grand Prix, and while a free pit stop during the red flag situation—caused by a crash involving Franco Colapinto—helped the top three, including winner Max Verstappen, every driver had to be in the right place at the right time to take advantage of it.
Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, and Verstappen did just that.
After the restart, with Ocon in the lead and Verstappen behind him, the Red Bull driver quickly passed Ocon. From there, the goal was simply to hold onto the podium positions, which Ocon and Gasly managed to do, finishing second and third. This result could lead to a major financial reward for Alpine.
With 33 points from the race, plus two points from the Sprint race the day before, Alpine jumped from ninth to sixth in the Constructors’ standings. If they can hold on to that position, which is still uncertain given that Haas is just three points behind and has been more consistent with scoring, it could mean an estimated $30 million in prize money.
However, Briatore clarified the amount, saying it was “29.2 million” and joked that it was the first thing he asked about.
While Alpine celebrated their success, Briatore also acknowledged they had some luck on their side that day. He noted that their car seemed to perform better in wet conditions but was doubtful that the next three races—Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi—would have similar weather.
He also pointed out that experience still plays a huge role in Formula 1, especially with the rise of younger drivers. “Without taking anything away from an incredible Ocon in the wet and Gasly, who did his job well, we were also lucky,” he said. “I think we have a car that is better in the wet. Unfortunately, I don’t think the next three races will be wet.”
Alpine’s team boss, Oliver Oakes, downplayed the idea of luck playing a major role. “No, I think obviously, since Austin we’ve had a bit of pace with this upgrade,” he said.
“Credit to everyone really, because the drivers didn’t put a foot wrong in tricky conditions, and also strategy, those calls, everything is a good day. And even the pace in the race.”
He added, “I think sweet is the right word. It is a really big result. But I was thinking you’ve got to enjoy the moment, but also be humble because there are still quite a few races left, isn’t there?
But I think more for the team as a whole, beginning of the season they got a lot of mudsling at them, I guess you could say or a bit of stick, and I think you can see how much it means to them.”
