Fortunately, the rear wing remained intact throughout the race, allowing Ocon to finish in eighth place. However, Szafnauer admitted uncertainty about whether the issue hindered Ocon’s ability to challenge Alex Albon for seventh place.
Acknowledging the potential impact on underbody aerodynamics due to the beam wing issue, Szafnauer noted, “We just looked at the aero data. The aerodynamicists say it wasn’t anything big, but it could also have an impact on the underbody aerodynamics because it was a beam wing issue – and they work together.”
Szafnauer believes that the struggle to overtake Williams’ car was primarily attributable to increased drag, despite Alpine’s significant lap time advantage. This drag issue restricted Ocon’s ability to make a successful passing maneuver.
