Former Formula One steward Johnny Herbert admits he is “confusing” with Alpine’s poor 2025 campaign.
Alpine suffered at the bottom of the Formula 1 Constructors Championship and cut Adrift from the previous team.
Alpines are primarily hampered by powerless Renault power units.
Their driver lineup dramas aren’t helping their chances.
Neither Franco Colapinto nor Jacques Douhan have scored points so far this season.
Pierre Gasly won all 20 points for Alpine in 2025.
Speaking to racing tips, Herbert admitted that Alpine was in a “very dark” tunnel that was difficult to leave.
“Not good. And at this point it’s not as if there’s potential light at the end of the tunnel. It seems to be a very long tunnel, very dark,” Herbert said.
“It’s a really inexplicable place for them to join, given that they have succeeded in the past, as they can’t get close to the chances of reaching the top six, so given their successes in the past, it’s a really inexplicable place for them to join.
“When Flavios came in and they were doing very well, there was a bit of a bump.
“It’s just not happening. I think it has to do with things happening behind the scenes where the necessary thinking isn’t enough. Formula 1’s competitiveness is really great.
“They don’t seem to have the right direction, and direction can only come from people who have the right understanding and mindset of what they need to improve the scary, difficult cars they have at the moment.
“It’s not a good place to see them, either. That’s not something you would have expected.”
Guthrie commits to Alpine
Over the Italian Grand Prix weekend, Alpine confirmed that Guthrie had signed a new contract that would keep him on the team until 2027.
In the near future, it should be even more fruitful for Takayama.
They abandon the 2026 work engine project and race with Mercedes Power.
Pierre Guthrie, Alpine
©XPB Image
It has been widely reported that Mercedes has the best power units at the start of new regulations in 2026.
As a result, it’s hard to see Alpine struggle at the bottom of next year’s ranking.
The identity of Guthrie’s teammate for 2026 is still unknown.
Corapinto is not impressed, but Alpine’s options are limited after Valteri Bottas and Sergio Perez signed the Cadillac.
If he was dropped by Red Bull, Alpine could turn to Zonodha.
Alternatively, Alpine Junior Paul Aron was impressed during various outings for the team.