Alpine became the final team to unveil their challenger for the 2023 Formula 1 season, the AF523, in London.
Held at the Printworks near Canada Water Alpine brought out the stars for the weekend, packing hundreds into the venue for the launch.
The team will bring back the pink livery they used last year, while 1998 World Cup winner with France and former Real Madrid Champions League-winning manager Zinedine Zidane was also revealed as an ambassador for the brand.
Not only did the AF523 have a much slimmer than its predecessor, but the car would be underweight, a contrast to last year when the team struggled to shed weight from the A522.
Silverstone run out
Before the launch, both drivers Esteban Ocon and new recruit Pierre Gasly tested the car at a shakedown in Silverstone.
“I am very excited for the coming season with BWT Alpine F1 Team“, said Ocon. My fourth year with the Enstone-Viry family.
“We showed some great progress in 2022, and everyone in France and the United Kingdom has been working hard on developing the car for 2023.
“I cannot wait to get the season underway to continue the upward trajectory from last year, and I am looking forward to testing the car properly in the pre-season test.”
Although Alpine finished fourth in the constructors championship, the team endured a terrible season off track; not only did they lose Fernando Alonso but Oscar Piastri to McLaren and Aston Martin.
Alpine’s loss was Pierre Gasly’s gain, as the Frenchman was signed to drive for the team after being released from his contract at AlphaTauri.
“It’s fantastic to be officially unveiled as a BWT Alpine F1 Team Race Driver, and I’m very much looking forward to this next stage of my career,” says Gasly.
“I am eager to see the potential and capabilities of the A523 at pre-season testing and to continue getting more comfortable with the team.
“It is great to see the dedication that everyone at Enstone and Viry applies to their jobs in, and I cannot wait to get started in helping the team to reach its objectives for the year.”
