How F1’s ‘worst’ team leapt into an unusual position

The worst team in Formula 1 last season has made such a massive leap forward this year it is now in an unusual position caught between F1’s typical class divide.Looking at qualifying averages for the four races so far, F1’s rules overhaul has clearly split the grid between the already-established ‘Big Four’ – Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull – and an Alpine-headed midfield, with a small third class of two (Cadillac and Aston Martin) at the back for now.Remove Australia, though, and the last three races have established the very clear trend that Alpine’s not part of the midfield group at all. It’s in its own no-man’s land between the top four teams and the would-be point scorers.Armed with upgrades, the most recent race in Miami was Alpine’s …