The 2024 Formula One season has been nothing short of electrifying, with thrilling battles unfolding not just at the front of the grid but throughout the field. Among the most intense and closely watched contests is the race for sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship: a position crucial to midfield teams as it carries not only bragging rights but also significant financial rewards.
As the season neared its conclusion, midfield teams were pulling out all the stops, with bold strategies, driver heroics, and last-minute upgrades shaping the narrative. This battle was not only about points, but was also a showcase of resilience, innovation, and the never-say-die spirit of motorsport.
Claiming the position for a second year in a row is none other than Enstone-based BWT Alpine F1 team, followed closely by Haas Ferrari. Alpine showed up once again, with Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon as they did last year, but weren’t churning the results they’d have hoped for in the early stages of the season, scoring their first point in Miami, the sixth round of the season.
Proceeding from Miami, hopes were high for the team as some improvement was visible with a sudden pattern of ninth and tenth positions, but this was obtainable throughout.
By the latter end of the season, in Mexico, challengers Ferrari Haas were performing incredibly considering their back-of-the-grid reputation and usually underwhelming results as both drivers finished within the top ten. In Brazil, however, Alpine broke through, with both Ocon and Gasly placing on the podium. This result was met with disbelief, considering Alpine’s performance in the first half of the season.
After claiming Alpine’s first ever double podium, three weeks later in Las Vegas the team had a bittersweet weekend. It started well, with Gasly recording a fourth straight Q3 appearance, surpassing the team’s expectations, but having to retire the car during Sunday’s race due to engine failure. Ocon could only manage P17. Nico Hulkenberg was way ahead in eighth place, and took Haas from P7 to P6 in the Constructors’ Championship standings. This result took Haas one point ahead of Alpine, while RB Honda RBPT followed closely behind to become a third team in the race for sixth.
At the final two races, Alpine outperformed their competitors to secure sixth for themselves in the Constructor’s Championship. Will Alpine make it a third-in-a-row constructors P6 finish next year or will another team end their streak? Bring on 2025!
Written by Millie.
Featured Image Credit: alpine-cars.co.uk
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