Alpine, promising developments: striking difference between Gasly and Ocon lies entirely in A524 front wing. Alpine arrived in Qatar with an interesting update to the A524.

The comparison with Esteban Ocon is striking: a gap of nine-tenths in Q1. The future Haas driver finished the session in last place, while his compatriot made it to Q3.

The substantial modification at Alpine
The only technical difference between the two cars, as confirmed by the team, is the design of the front wing. Pierre Gasly’s car features the new version (on the left in the image), where the nose attaches to the last flap element, while Esteban Ocon’s car uses the older version (on the right), with a rounder nose ending at the second element.

The decision to differentiate the two cars is more than justified by the fact that Esteban will leave the team next year, while Pierre Gasly will become the lead driver.

Since Flavio Briatore‘s arrival, the French team has taken a new development direction with 2025 in mind, implementing changes as early as possible in this season’s closing stages.

The results have been evident, particularly with the double podium in Brazil. Who knows—perhaps the team will start the new season as the fifth-strongest, considering Aston Martin’s sharp decline. We can only wait to see, but one thing is certain: Alpine is no longer lost in no-man’s-land.