“I do know there’s plenty of emotion there as a result of we’re proud to be a works group and we nonetheless have a 12 months all collectively [in 2025], however I do really feel that was additionally a giant assertion of intent actually of the place we need to go.
“We’re not right here simply to be making up the numbers. We need to be pushing ahead. I believe I used to be fairly open, perhaps too trustworthy after I mentioned, being egocentric, I simply need one of the best engine at the back of the automotive.
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“On the finish of the day, for me, we’re right here to go racing. I need to be on the entrance of the grid, I don’t need to be strolling to the again. The selection we made was to get one of the best engine at the back of the automotive and assist the group maintain climbing again up the grid.”
When pushed on how Alpine can know that Mercedes will probably be sturdy in 2026, Oakes responded: “I believe you’ll be able to’t be useless certain, as a result of nothing in life is a useless cert, however you need to be pragmatic there.