Google News Alpine CEO Issues Ultimatum: Performance Must Improve or Face Consequences
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Laurent Rossi, the Chief Executive Officer of Alpine, has issued a warning to the Renault-owned Formula One team, stating that changes will be made before the end of the season if their performance does not improve. Rossi, who is known for his no-nonsense approach, was clear about his expectations for the team.
"The team managed to secure fourth place [in 2022]. They have the means to achieve fourth, more so than others. I want them to be fourth. If they don't, it will be a failure," he told F1.
"Mindset of the Team Needs to Be Fixed ASAP"
Consequences Await if Performance Does Not Improve
Rossi made it clear that the team principal, Otmar Szafnauer, who joined Alpine in February 2022 from Aston Martin, was in the hot seat. "He is responsible for the performance of the team.
That's his job," Rossi stated. "There is no hiding here. ... The buck stops with Otmar." The Frenchman added that if the team fails to improve despite giving their best, there will be "extenuating circumstances" that bode well for the future.
However, if the current trajectory does not change, Rossi warned that "the rule of business" would dictate that there will be consequences. "I won't wait until the end of the year. The trajectory is not good. We need to fix the mindset of the team ASAP," he added.
"Too Many Mistakes Made Over the Weekend"
Alpine Falls Behind Development Targets
Rossi also pointed out that Alpine started the season behind its development targets and was lacking in performance compared to where they wanted to be.
"We have made a lot of mistakes, too many mistakes, over the weekend," he said. "When you compound that relatively lower performance and lack of operational excellence, you end up in a difficult position." McLaren, who have former Alpine reserve Oscar Piastri in their lineup after the Australian rejected the French team, are currently in fifth place.
