Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen said the team was caught by surprise by how its midfield rivals continued to improve their cars during the 2025 Formula 1 campaign.
The Enstone-based squad started the season in decent form, carrying momentum from a strong finish to 2024. Pierre Gasly reached Q3 three times in the first six grands prix, including a stellar Bahrain Grand Prix with a top-five starting position and a seventh-place finish at the chequered flag.
