Alpine v Williams

One team had dumped their own factory engine. Now they were just another customer. Pierre GASLY had some bright spots on his CV. But let’s be honest he isn’t on any team owners ‘must have. Maybe he could go to Aston Martin to replace ALONSO. Paired with the Frenchman on a French team is pay driver Franco COLAPINTO. Flavio BRIATORE always lurking in the background. Looking just fabulous I may add. It looked like a fraught season ahead. Against that shambles of a team was the might of Williams Grand Prix Engineering. Just ask James VOWLES. Engineering is in their name see. Two fabled drivers; Alex ALBON and Carlos SAINZ ready to lead the British stalwart to head the mid-field. Occasionally challenge for a podium. Who knows. May we dream of the days of Nigel MANSELL. Then the cars hit the track. ‘Le Bleu’ was ok. Which was a lot better than last year. At least in the fight. Part of the conversation. After a fashion. Not a disaster again this year. Trying to hide my Argentine prejudice Franco was doing ok. And Williams? The team had announced the 2024 and 2025 seasons were being sacrificed for 2026. Not unlike the ladies of Oxfordshire the 2026 chassis was a little over weight. A little bulbous around the mid section. Their two world champion contenders? Happy if they just finish all race laps. No, look, engineering is in our name. Kinda makes you year from the days of Claire WILLIAMS. Or, can I whisper, Paddy LOWE. No. That would be too cruel.