Alpine's Unique Standing as Formula 1's 'Best Worst Team'
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, securing the last position in the Constructors' Championship is rarely a cause for celebration. However, the Alpine team is forging an unusual path in the 2025 season, establishing itself as perhaps the most successful 'worst team' in the sport's illustrious history. Despite languishing at the bottom of the standings, Alpine has managed to accumulate a remarkable 20 points across 14 Grand Prix events, a feat unmatched by any previous last-placed contender.
Unpacking Alpine's Unconventional Season
The Enstone-based squad, currently at the bottom of the pack, has demonstrated an intriguing blend of struggle and surprising success. Their 20-point haul significantly outstrips historical precedents for a team finishing last. To put this into perspective, consider Toro Rosso's 2009 campaign. In a 17-race season, they garnered just eight points. While the scoring system has evolved over time, applying today's points structure to Toro Rosso's performance would still only yield 29 points, a figure that came from a season with more unpredictable and attrition-filled races, which often benefited less competitive teams.
Beyond raw points, Alpine's qualifying performance further distinguishes them. In 34 qualifying sessions (including sprint races), Alpine has progressed beyond Q1 18 times, or 16 times in standard qualifying. This is a noticeable improvement over Toro Rosso's 2009 record of 14 Q1 exits from 34 attempts. A significant factor in Alpine's unique position is the disproportionate contribution of one driver. Pierre Gasly has single-handedly accounted for all 20 of Alpine's points, with a sixth-place finish at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone standing as their season's highlight. This suggests that while the team's overall standing is low, their potential for greater achievement is palpable, especially if both cars could consistently perform.
Comparatively, Haas, the second-lowest scoring team in 2023, managed 12 points over a 22-event season, with Nico Hulkenberg contributing nine and Kevin Magnussen three, including a seventh-place finish in Melbourne. Haas also showed stronger qualifying form, reaching the top 15 in 34 out of 56 sessions. While Haas had moments of brilliance, like Hulkenberg's second-place qualification in Canada, they often struggled to convert these into Sunday race results.
Another historical parallel is Minardi's 2005 season. Although they scored seven points, exceeding their previous decade's total, much of this came from an extraordinary race in the United States Grand Prix, where only six cars competed. Minardi's overall performance that year, with a highest qualifying position of 13th, showcased them as true backmarkers, a stark contrast to Alpine's more competitive showings this season.
Across Formula 1 history, there have been 13 instances of a last-placed team scoring points, involving nine different constructors. Notable examples include Arrows in 2002, Minardi in 2004 and 2005, Spyker in 2007, Toro Rosso in 2009, Manor in 2016, Sauber in 2017 and 2024, Williams in 2018, 2019, and 2022, and Haas in 2023. Alpine's current trajectory, however, sets a new benchmark for competitive resilience from the rear of the grid.
From a journalist's perspective, Alpine's 2025 season offers a fascinating study in paradox. While being at the bottom of the championship is never ideal, their ability to consistently extract points, primarily through Pierre Gasly's impressive drives, challenges the conventional narrative of a 'worst team.' It raises questions about the definition of success in a highly competitive environment where resources and performance vary significantly. Perhaps it's not just about winning, but about maximizing potential, even when the odds are stacked against you. Alpine's journey serves as a reminder that even at the tail end of the grid, compelling stories of determination and unexpected achievements can unfold, offering valuable lessons in resilience and strategic optimization.