How Alpine is making the most of unexpected cash boost

Running alongside the budget cap restrictions, F1's financial regulations also allow for Capital Expenditure (CapEx) spending to upgrade facilities with the idea to gradually allow all teams to enjoy similar levels to their infrastructure.

However, smaller teams like Williams made the point in 2023 that as their facilities were so behind, they would not be able to make inroads unless they were granted more CapEx funds to 'out-spend' bigger teams like Red Bull or Mercedes.

The FIA eventually agreed to a $20 million boost to the four smallest teams of the $45 million limit, with the so-called big three getting an extra $6 million to a total of $51 million.

Alpine was in the 'middle group' along with McLaren and Aston Martin with a $13 million increase to a $58 million CapEx limit over a four-year period, with Famin, now officially confirmed as Team Principal, detailing just how Alpine is investing its funds.

Famin points to CapEx improvements

"We have already invested a lot in our facilities," Famin told media including RacingNews365.

"In Viry, we have invested in two new Dynos for [electric vehicle] motors and are renewing quite a lot of things.

"The old buildings of Viry is almost totally renewed with a full car dyno and in Enstone, we are investing in a new simulator, and we are investing with the plan from the FIA within the Capex [Capital Expenditure] cost cap which was voted on a few months ago.

"It will enable us to complete those investments in our facilities and we are not far from having everything renewed.

"It is being able to see the opportunity on the track and be able to work in a much better way in a factory.

"It is important to be able to have machines capable of developing faster, and it is better for the evolution during the season and for the coming years as well.