Alpine's sporting director analyzed the team's poor performance at the Mexican Grand Prix and assessed the efforts of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto
Meanwhile, after the controversial overtake by the Argentine on Gasly in Austin, Nielsen clarified that both drivers had the opportunity to fight each other. "With the leaders approaching with blue flags, we managed both cars equally and carefully to avoid interfering with those lapping us, while at the same time we gave them the opportunity to at least compete for positions without taking unnecessary risks."
In parallel, Nielsen highlighted the team's commitment despite adverse results and anticipated an internal review ahead of the upcoming rounds: "It has been a complicated weekend for Alpine. Well done to everyone on track and in the factories for their continued efforts. We will reorganize next week before São Paulo."
With an eye on the Brazilian Grand Prix, the executive insisted that the immediate goal is to regain confidence and performance. Alpine needs quick answers to prevent the gap with its direct rivals from continuing to grow as the season draws to a close.
The Mexican Grand Prix once again exposed Alpine's shortcomings, as the team delivered one of its most discreet performances of the season. From the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Sporting Director Steve Nielsen offered a self-critical analysis of the day and acknowledged that the team is going through a complex moment in the Formula 1 championship.
"We knew it would be a complicated afternoon and today it was confirmed. All the credit must go to both Pierre and Franco for giving their all in a difficult situation, where the car was hard to handle and there was practically nothing to fight for on track," Nielsen said after the race.
The Briton explained that the team's strategy was a response to the car's limitations, rather than a planned gamble: "We adapted mid-race and took a risk with Pierre by switching to the soft compound much earlier than optimal, after seeing that other cars managed to make the tires last longer than expected. At that moment we knew that Franco, on hards, would last longer and that both cars would eventually meet toward the end."
