Alpine: F1‘s Best ‘Worst Team’ of All Time?
Alpine’s fortunes may have faltered in the 2025 Formula 1 season, but the Enstone-based outfit is redefining the meaning of being the last in the championship standings. With a remarkable 20 points accrued over just 14 races, Alpine is setting new benchmarks for what it means to be a bottom team in the modern F1 landscape.
A Historic Low for Alpine
Unprecedented Point Collection
Historically, finishing last in the Constructors’ Championship has been synonymous with scant reward—both in prestige and financially. Yet Alpine’s 20 points, gathered solely by Pierre Gasly, contrasts starkly with previous last-placed teams. For example, Toro Rosso only managed eight points in 2009 over 17 races. If the same rigorous standards applied, Toro Rosso would have netted 29 points under today’s system—however, Alpine’s achievements may still be shrouded in the shadow of underperformance from their second car.
Underperforming Teammates
While Gasly has demonstrated potential with a sixth-place finish at Silverstone, the performances of teammates Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto have left much to be desired. Without a single top-12 finish to their names, the pressure remains squarely on Gasly to improve Alpine’s standings, as Haas currently sits 15 points ahead.
The Race Against Haas
Haas’s Unexpected Success
For comparison, Haas, which recorded 12 points throughout the entire 2023 season, showcased moments of brilliance amid struggles. With performances including a second-place qualifying for Nico Hulkenberg in Canada, the American team has strived to transition qualifying speed into race-day results. However, a recent Canadian Grand Prix saw them falter, finishing outside the points after dropping from second to seventh.
Other Contenders for the ‘Best Worst Team’
Alpine’s situation reflects an intriguing trend within F1’s underbelly. Notably, Minardi’s season in 2005 stands out as a historical footnote, where the Italian outfit registered seven points over the season, primarily at the infamous six-car United States Grand Prix. Yet, in stark contrast, they consistently struggled for qualifying positions, further embedding their status as true backmarkers.
The Evolution of F1’s Points System
A Shift in Dynamics
The evolving points system in F1 poses a vital aspect of Alpine’s narrative. Historically, 13 instances of last-placed teams securing points have emerged across nine teams, beginning with Arrows in 2002. The dynamics of the current system afford more room for lower-tier teams to gather points than ever before, although it does come with the caveat of a generally more competitive field.
Alpine’s Future Prospects
While Alpine may be positioned at the bottom of the ranking now, the potential is palpable. Gasly’s individual brilliance and the possibility of improved performances from his teammates make for intriguing prospects as the season progresses. If they can harness their current momentum, Alpine might just outrun their ‘best worst team’ label for good.
In summary, while the fight for championship glory may be elusive for Alpine, their ability to glean significant points amid the challenges of a competitive F1 landscape suggests they are rewriting the script on what failure can look like. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see if they can push for more as the season unfolds.
