Alpine has confirmed that their development programme for 2021 has ended, with all efforts now solely focused on ensuring the 2022 car hits the ground running to start the new regulation cycle. 2021 has been a delicate balancing act, due to the budget cap, of ensuring the 2021 car remains somewhat uncompetitive while ensuring the 2022 car doesn't suffer unnecessarily. For some teams, like Haas and Williams, the changeover to 2022 has already come and gone. The close midfield battle means some teams are pushing their development further into the season. With the summer break looming, Alpine has now made that switch. "It’s the stage of the year when Grand Prix fatigue is kicking in after quite a few races already," said Alpine's Executive Director Marcin Budkowski ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. "It’s been a big push from the start of the season with both Enstone and Viry working hard to develop the car. "The focus has now switched entirely to 2022 at both factories, meaning there are fewer new parts coming to the track, but the second half of the calendar is a gruelling schedule and everyone in the team looks forward to the two-week break to recharge. "But, before we can relax, we are aiming for another strong showing and a double points finish in Hungary." While there's no more focus on 2021, this doesn't mean the Alpine A521 will go without updates for the rest of this season. Any updates or ideas already in development can still be fitted to the car as the season progresses, but there is now no new ideas being explored.
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