Jordan's Track Talk

Tag: AlphaTauri

  • AlphaTauri rebrand confirmed

    AlphaTauri will emerge from the Formula 1 winter break with an all-new team name after the decision was made to undergo a rebranding to RB ahead to the 2024 campaign.

    Red Bull’s sister outfit joined the grid back in 2006 and initially raced under the Toro Rosso guise but were renamed as AlphaTauri from 2020 to promote the company’s fashion brand.

    From 2024 onwards, they will be known as RB (with the full team name being Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team) marking a stronger reference to the Red Bull operation who have benefitted from bringing in a host of junior drivers with the Faenza squad.

    Over the years, the likes of four time champion Sebastian Vettel, three time champion Max Verstappen and multiple race winner Daniel Ricciardo built up valuable experience at the outfit before progressing to Red Bull.

    Highlights of AlphaTauri’s spell in F1 include a remarkable victory for Pierre Gasly at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix, a result that brought back memories of Vettel’s breakthrough triumph in 2008 during the Toro Rosso days.

    This year, Yuki Tsunoda will enter his fourth F1 season at RB, while Ricciardo keeps his spot after replacing Nyck de Vries midway through the 2023 season and returning from injuries he sustained in a practice session at Zandvoort.

    In addition to Mekies arriving at Tost’s replacement after the Austrian’s 18 year stint at the team, another recent change at the top of team saw Peter Bayer come in from the FIA, overseeing operations as CEO.

  • VCARB 01

    The newly-rebranded RB team have unveiled their 2024 challenger – the VCARB 01 – at a glittering event in Las Vegas.

    It has been all change for the Faenza-based quad for 2023, after they brought their AlphaTauri era to a close following the conclusion of last season, and that includes a livery change.

    While AlphaTauri’s design predominantly showcased dark blue and white, the new RB car will sport a sparkling blue and white livery, which takes it back to the designs of the Toro Rosso car.

    The car was obviously the star of the show at the launch event in Las Vegas, with the team’s new CEO Peter Bayer present and the new Team Principal Laurent Mekies.
    Also on stage at the event, alongside drivers Ricciardo and Tsunoda, was Amna Al-Qubaisi, who will be carrying the team’s colours in F1 Academy this year.

    There’s also been a host of changes to the operation ahead of this year’s campaign, with three experienced technical and trackside personnel signing on recently.

    One of those is Alan Permane – who departed Alpine as their Sporting Director midway through last season – as he takes up the role of Racing Director.
    Tim Goss will also take on the role of Chief Technical Officer in October. While Guillaume Cattelani joined the team as Deputy Technical Director, reporting to Technical Director Jody Egginton.

    As for the drivers, they will be hoping for a more successful season, with AlphaTauri finishing P8 in the constructors’ last year. The Australian will be wanting a smoother campaign, having started 2023 away from the F1 grid before his dramatic return was halted by a broken hand after the summer break.

  • AlphaTauri confirm drivers for 2024

    Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo will form AlphaTauri’s driver line-up for 2024, with Liam Lawson set to fulfil reserve driver duties for the Italian squad and sister team, Red Bull.

    Tsunoda, who made his debut for the team in 2021 impressed the team with his “undoubtful natural talent and constant improvement” and “ability to integrate into the team”.

    The Japanese driver, will be joined by Aussie, Daniel Ricciardo who is currently on the sidelines with a broken hand but impressed the team when he raced for them in Hungary and Belgium before the summer break.

    AlphaTauri said Ricciardo’s “personal attitude and racing experience will be precious assets in 2024” the Australian having raced for the team in 2012 and 2013 when they were formely known as Toro Rosso and has since gone on to secure eight Grand Prix wins!

    Liam Lawson, has delivered three strong Grand Prix as a super sub for Ricciardo, including his first points last time out in Singapore but missed out on a full time race seat with the team for the 2024 season.

    Ricciardo is continuing his fight to return to full fitness and while he is unlikely to return next time out in Qatar, the plan remains for him to come back at some point this season but only when he feels ready.

    Meanwhile, Lawson will remain in position while Riccairdo recovers and in 2024, the New Zealander will focus on testing, simulator sessions and attending all the races full-time in his role as reserve.

    Looking at the grid for next season, there is only one seat available now and that is over at Williams alongside Alex Albon as Logan Sargeant is trying to fight and show he should have the seat.

    Next year, the technical regulations remain largely unchanged and it was therefore logical to go for continuity in our driver line-up too. I am very pleased with the development that Yuki has shown over the last two and a half years with our team and with Daniel’s great race-winning experience we will have one of the most competitive driver pairings on the grid in 2024. Peter [Bayer, AlphaTauri’s new CEO] and Laurent [Mekies, AlphaTauri’s incoming Team Principal] will have a great duo to start the new season in the right direction. As for Liam, who has impressed everyone in his races so far, he will definitely help the team in his development role as a third driver, and I’m sure he will have a future in Formula 1 soon.

    Team Principal, Franz Tost.

    I’m so happy to announce that I will be staying with Scuderia AlphaTauri for the 2024 Formula 1 season. I’m looking forward to continuing to fight and collaborate with the team and Daniel. Obviously, I’ll push as much as possible for the rest of the season and beyond, to progress as a driver. I’m grateful for Red Bull and Honda, for continuing to support and believe in me, and very happy and thankful to continue the partnership.

    Tsunoda on the news.

    I’m stoked to be driving with Yuki again next year and continuing the journey with Scuderia Alpha Tauri. Following the progress we have already made and the plans for the future, it’s an exciting time for the team. We are building and it is a great feeling. There is a lot of work to do, but we are heading in the right direction and there is a lot to look forward to. Bring on 2024!

    Ricciardo on returning to the grid.

    We are in a privileged position, where we have access to multiple great talents from the Red Bull world. This is a credit to the work that Dr [Helmut] Marko [Red Bull Motorsport Adviser] has been doing for many years. Both Daniel and Yuki have not just shown fantastic race craft but are also great global ambassadors for our team and our sport. Liam put himself in the spotlight of F1 in only three races and I am very happy that we can continue to prepare him for his future.

    Bayers on the drivers contracts.

  • Lawson confirmed until Ricciardo is ready to return

    AlphaTauri have confirmed that Liam Lawson will continue to race for the team until Daniel Ricciardo is ready to race again.

    Ricciardo broke his hand in a crash during second practice for the Dutch Grand Prix on Friday, with Red Bull junior, Liam Lawson drafted in as a last minute replacement.

    Lawson qualified 20th, but acquitted himself well in the Grand Prix, as he managed to stay out of trouble and finish 13th, despite wet weather, red flags, Safety Car restarts and a penalty making his F1 debut harder than others.

    Meanwhile, Ricciardo flew to Spain on Sunday to have surgery on his hand. Red Bull boss, Christian Horner confirmed after the race that the eight-time race winner would be out of action at least after this weekend.

    We are delighted that Daniel’s surgery went well and that he is now on the road to recovery. We hope to see him at the track again very soon, but until he is fully fit, we can confirm that Liam, who did a good job in difficult circumstances in Zandvoort, will continue to drive alongside Yuki, starting from our home race this weekend in Monza.

    The team on the news.

    It was good, it was a lot going on. When I was rolling up to the grid and it was starting to rain, it wasn’t the best feeling but the race was okay. I think the second half of the race was not so bad, once we got clean air and also on the inters at the end was not too bad. Just happy to survive.

    Lawson after the Dutch GP.
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CwfljkqKswC/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

  • Lawson replaces Ricciardo after injury

    Daniel Ricciardo has been ruled out of the Dutch Grand Prix due to a broken hand sustained in a crash during Free Practice 2, which hands his spot to Liam Lawson as he has his F1 Debut with Alpha Tauri.

    Ricciardo followed Oscar Piastri into the barriers at Zandvoort’s Turn 3 in the early stages of FP2, which automatically put him out of the session.

    Replays later showed Ricciardo’s hands being thrown around in the cockpit due to him still holding the steering wheel when he impacted the wall, with the Australian visibly in discomfort when he stepped out of the car.

    Having been taken to the medical centre and then a local hospital, news then came from AlphaTauri that Ricciardo broke a metacarpal on his left hand, and will not be able to take part in what would have been the third race since his F1 comeback.

    In his place steps Lawson, the 21 year old reserve driver for Red Bull and Alpha Tauri who has been competing in the Japan-based Super Formula championship this year.

    Lawson sits second in the Super Formula standings ahead of October’s season finale double header at Suzuka, with the break in the calendar leaving him free to substitute for the Australian driver.

    He is set to become the 10th New Zealander to contest a Grand Prix, with the most recent being Brendon Hartley raced for Torro Rosso.

    With the Italian Grand Prix directly following this weelend’s round at Zandvoort, it also casts doubt over Ricciardo’s ability to contest the Monza event.

  • Mekies to replace Tost as Alpha Tauri Team Principal

    It’s been announced that Laurent Mekies will succeed Franz Tost as AlphaTauri Team Principal, with former FIA F1 executive director Peter Bayer set to become the new CEO for the team.

    Mekies, the current Assistant Team Principal and Race Director at Ferrari, will make the move from Maranello back to his former team, to succeed one of F1’s longest serving team bosses in Tost.

    Having turned 67 in January this year, Tost had put a loose timeline on when he was ending his F1 career, which first started back in 2000 when he followed Ralf Schumacher to Williams.

    Tost then took the reins at AlphaTauri – then Scuderia Toro Rosso – in 2005 and retained his position as Team Principal when the squad was re-christened in its current guise. But the team has now confirmed that Tost will leave his role at the end of the 2023 season, taking on a consultancy role for 2024.

    The changes don’t stop there, with Bayer also coming in as CEO for the team later on in the year – with AlphaTauri set to benefit from the Austrian’s wide-ranging experience in the sport.

    First of all, I would like to thank Dietrich Mateschitz, who gave me the incredible opportunity to be Team Principal of Scuderia Toro Rosso and Scuderia AlphaTauri for the past 18 years. It has been a true privilege to lead the Team for such a long period and a great pleasure to work with so many motivated and skilled people, who share my passion for Formula 1. [At] 67 years old it is time to hand over and with Peter as new CEO and Laurent as Team Principal, we found two very professional people, who will bring the Team to the next level. I want to thank everyone for the good cooperation.

    Tost on the news.

    Firstly, I’d like to pay tribute to Franz for the great job he has done over almost two decades in charge at Faenza. I wish him well for the future and I know that both Peter and I will rely on his input and advice in times to come. Looking forward, I am honoured to take on the role of Team Principal and to return to the team where I spent a large portion of my early career. Scuderia AlphaTauri has all of the ingredients necessary for greater success in the future and in tandem with Peter I’m looking forward to making that happen.

    Mekies on the news.

  • AT04

    Alpha Tauri have become the latest F1 team to launch their 2023 season, showing off their livery that will adorn the yet to be presented AT04 challenger during a special event in New York.

    Long time team boss, Franz Tost, continuing driver Yuki Tsunoda and new arrival Nyck de Vries were all on hand for Saturday’s reveal, which followed Red Bull’s own season launch in the Big Apple a week ago.

    Coinciding with New York’s famous Fashion Week, the launch represented a perfect fit for the Alpha Tauri fashion brand, who are owned by Red Bull and replaced Toro Rosso as the Faenza squad’s official name in 2020.

    In a stylish unveiling. Alpha Tauri presented a now traditional deep blue and white colour scheme for their new car, which is powered by Honda engines running under the Red Bull powertrains.

    0004.jpg

    However, red highlights now complement the palette courtesy of Polish oil refiner and petrol retailer, ORLEN having moved across from rivals Alfa Romeo.

    Alpha Tauri head into the new season looking to turn their recent F1 fortunes around, having slipped from sixth in the 2021 constructors’ standings to ninth in 2022, when all new technical regulations come into play.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Coigr8xpT_q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • Ford returns & partners with RB from 2026

    American automotive giants Ford have confirmed their intention to make a Formula 1 comeback when the new engine regulations are introduced in 2026, meaning another chapter will be added to the American organisation’s rich history.

    Ford’s involvement in F1 stretches all the way back to the 1960s and the DFV (Double Four Value) engine, built in partnership with British engineering firm Cosworth, which took 155 wins from 262 races between 1967 and 1985.

    From their first title wins with Graham Hill and Lotus in 1968 to their most recent with Michael Schumacher and Benetton in 1994, Ford have played a part in 10 constructors’ championships and 13 drivers’ championships – which make them the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history!

    Some 20 years on from their last participation, the appeal of F1’s future engine regulations – featuring increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels – will see Ford grace the grid once again.

    The news today that Ford is coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1. Ford is a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing and the automotive world and they see the huge value that our platform provides with over half a billion fans around the world. Our commitment to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels in the F1 cars from 2026 is also an important reason for their decision to enter F1. We believe that our sport provides the opportunity and reach unlike any other and we cannot wait for the Ford logo to be racing round F1’s iconic circuits from 2026.

    Stefano Domenicali on the news.

    This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather [Henry Ford] won a race that helped launch our company. Ford is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.

    Bill Ford Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company.

    After confirming that Ford will be returning, Ford then revealed at Red Bull’s launch that they are partnering up for “a long-term strategic technical partnership” with Red Bull Powertrains, ahead of the sport’s new regulations coming into play.

    Starting in 2023, Ford and Red Bull Powertrains – the Milton Keynes team’s dedicated engine division – will develop a next-gen power unit to supply both Red Bull Racing and the sister Alpha Tauri operation from 2026 until at least 2030.

    Ford’s return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing is all about where we are going as a company – increasingly electric, software-defined, modern vehicles and experiences. F1 will be an incredibly cost-effective platform to innovate, share ideas and technologies, and engage with tens of millions of new customers.

    Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company.

    It’s fantastic to be welcoming Ford back into Formula 1 through this partnership. As an independent engine manufacturer to have the ability to benefit from an OEM’s experience like Ford puts us in good stead against the competition. They are a manufacturer rich in motoring history that spans generations. From Jim Clark to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, the lineage speaks for itself. For us as Red Bull Powertrains to open the next chapter of that dynasty, as Red Bull Ford, is tremendously exciting. 2026 is still a while a way but for us the work already starts as we look to a new future and a continued evolution of Oracle Red Bull Racing.

    Christian Horner on the latest news.

  • Alfa Romeo confirm new title sponsor

    Alfa Romeo have announced entertainment and lifestyle brand Stake as their new title sponsor, meaning the team will have an altered team name and logo for the upcoming F1 campaign.

    Stake were founded in 2017, and have since built up a strong presence in the sporting world, with the Sauber-run Alfa team announcing the “record breaking” partnership would run for 2023 “and beyond”.

    Fans will be able to see the visual results of the tie-up when Alfa Romeo launch their latest F1 car to the world in Zurich on February 7th.

    We welcome Stake as a new co-title partner for the team in what represents the start of a new era for us both. Formula 1 has seen a huge increase in interest over the last few years and the arrival of brands such as Stake are representative of the massive exposure our sport can offer. We are excited to join such a portfolio of sports and entertainment brands and we’re looking forward to the activation programme that Stake will unveil for our fans.

    Alessandro Alunni Bravi on the news.

    Meanwhile, former Alfa Romeo title sponsor ORLEN – a Polish oil refiner and petrol retailer – have struck up a new deal with AlphaTauri to become a ‘Principal Partner’ of the squad.

    ORLEN’s branding is set to feature on “multiple prime locations” of the AT04, the livery for which will be revealed in New York on February 11th.

    ORLEN are one of the leading oil and gas companies in Central Europe and this partnership will allow them to further increase their brand awareness, through the global platforms we offer as a team. I’m looking forward to seeing their logo featured on our new car at the launch in New York City next month and also how this partnership progresses over the coming years

    Franz Tost,
    https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cn6ThwwKURo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • 11.02.23

    Alpha Tauri have announced they will be holding a launch event in New York City to reveal their new livery for the 2023 season.

    Alpha Tauri are the third team to announce as Aston Martin and Ferrari have confirmed their launches for their new challengers – but Alpha Tauri will be the first out of the teams to show the car’s colour scheme at least.

    The AT04 will be raced by Yuki Tsunoda, where it will be his third year in Formula 1 and rookie Nyck de Vries who replaces Alpine-bound Pierre Gasly.

    Former Formula 2 and Formula E Champion, De Vries was Mercedes reserve driver and stepped in last minute to replace Williams driver, Alex Albon when he was struck down with apendicitis at the Italian Grand Prix.

    De Vries immediately looked at home, qualifying P13 and racing to a points finish of P9 on his debut – a performance so impressive that shortly afterwards he was signed up for a full time seat alongside Tsunoda.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CmhIYuqqYRA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • De Vries to AT

    Alpha Tauri have announced that Nyck de Vries will be joining the team from 2023, following the news that Pierre Gasly will be moving to Alpine to partner Esteban Ocon next season.

    De Vries has been enjoying his FP1 outings for Mercedes, Aston Martin and Williams in 2022, giving him plenty of mileage in the new generation of Formula 1 machinery.

    The Dutchman then stepped in for Alex Albon when he was ruled out of the Italian Grand Prix. De Vries impressed the paddock with a mature drive to P9 on his maiden outing. With Alpha Tauri didn’t waste anytime in obtaining the signature of the 2019 Formula 2 champion once it became clear that Gasly was moving to a different team.

    I’m extremely excited to be joining Scuderia AlphaTauri for 2023 and I want to thank both Red Bull and the team for giving me the opportunity to drive in F1. After Formula 2, I took a slightly different path with motorsport, but F1 has always been my dream and I’m grateful to be able to fulfil it. I’ve had a lot of chances to experience the 2022 car this year and I think that has put me in a great position for the upcoming season, I hope this has helped to prepare me for what is to come. Having spent most of my teenage years in Italy for karting, I’ve always felt at home there, so for me it’s great to be joining an Italian team, that already has a real family feel, and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and to start to build our relationship before the next season.

    Nyck de Vries on stepping up to a full-time F1 race seat.

    Scuderia AlphaTauri had a very successful time with Pierre. We will never forget his fantastic victory in Monza and his podium finishes in Brazil and Azerbaijan. I want to thank Pierre for all the effort he’s put into the team in the last years, and I wish him all the best for his future. Now, we are pleased to start a new chapter with Nyck, who’s very much welcome at Scuderia AlphaTauri. He is a very high skilled driver, as he won in all the categories he competed in, with many races and championships under his belt. His last big success was winning the Formula E World Championship, and this is clear evidence that he is a very competitive driver, who deserves a seat in F1. I am looking forward to seeing him in our car and I’m confident that with Yuki and Nyck we will have a very strong driver line up for 2023.

    Franz Tost, Alpha Tauri Team Principal.

  • Tsunoda stays with AT for 2023

    Alpha Tauri have confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda will remain with the squad for the 2023 season, which will be the Japanese driver’s third year with the Italian team.

    Tsunoda joined Alpha Tauri at the start of the 2021 season, and has spent two years to date alongside Pierre Gasly, netting 43 points in that time (32 of which were earned last season) alongside a best race finish of fourth – claimed at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

    The 22 year old finished last season in 14th, he currently sits in 16th after scoring 11 points in the opening 16 races, with 6 remaining.

    The identity of Tsunoda’s team mate is less clear, with AT and Red Bull having publicly stating that they would be prepared to release Gasly to another team if they found a suitable replacement – with Tost admitting that Indy Car driver Colton Herta was of interest to the team.

    I want to say a huge thank you to Red Bull, Honda and Scuderia AlphaTauri for continuing to give me the opportunity to drive in F1. Having moved to Italy last year, to be closer to the factory, I really feel part of the team and am glad that I get to carry on racing with them in 2023. Of course, our 2022 season isn’t over yet and we’re still pushing hard in the midfield battle, so I’m fully focused on finishing it on a high and then we will look forward to next year.

    Tsunoda speaking on his deal.

    As we’ve seen since he joined us last year, Yuki is a very talented driver and has improved a lot this season. The pace he has shown recently is clear evidence of a steep learning curve, which proves he deserves a seat in F1, and I still expect some strong results from him in the last six races of 2022. As I always say, a driver needs at least three years to fully get to grips with Formula 1, so I’m pleased he’s been given the time to show his full potential. In addition, it’s a testament to Dr. Marko [Red Bull Motorsports Adviser] and his driver programme that we’re able to bring these young talents up from the junior categories and develop them. I’d like to join Yuki in thanking Red Bull and AlphaTauri, as well as Honda, for their continuous support and for allowing him to stay with us for another year.

    Teamboss, Franz Tost on Tsunoda’s re-signing.

  • Herta to Alpha Tauri?

    Silly Season is still going on as Red Bull are now eyeing up IndyCar driver, Colton Herta to replace Pierre Gasly at Alpha Tauri for 2023.

    Red Bull are wanting to sign Herta to replace Gasly, and could possibly confirm a deal before this weekends Italian GP.

    Gasly, who has been part of the Red Bull stable since his F1 debut, five years ago is Alpine’s preferred candidate to fill the vacant seat left by Fernando Alonso, which Oscar Piastri turned down to join McLaren.

    Herta, the talented 22 year old American, has emerged as the front runner but he would require an exemption from F1’s governing body to be able to compete.

    Astonishingly enough, all of the parties and teams involved, we found an agreement. First we have to get a definite answer [from the FIA] and I think it should be by Monza.

    Red Bull advisor, Helmut Marko.

    To obtain a superlicense to compete in F1, drivers need to accumulate 40 points. But despite strong performances in IndyCar with seven race wins, Herta is currently eight points short as the American series, which isn’t governed by the FIA and does not rate highly in the licensing system.

    Red Bull are hopefuly of getting a dispensation, whilst McLaren boss Zak Brown has also backed getting Herta into F1. Herta tested for McLaren in July this year and is highly rated by the team.

  • Lawson FP1 run

    Liam Lawson will be making his Formula 1 debut on Friday, as Alpha Tauri have announced that the Carlin driver will take over the reins of the AT03 for the opening Free Practice session at Spa-Francorchamps.

    The New Zealander will be getting behind the wheel of Pierre Gasly’s car, as part of the two young driver sessions, F1 teams are required to run this season.

    So far in his 2022 season, the 20 year old has two wins and six podiums to his name, and currently sits eight in the Drivers’ Championship.

    Part of their junior programme since 2019, the Red Bull and Alpha Tauri reserve driver got his first taste of F1 machinery with the Italian team last year during the post-season Young Drivers’ Test in Abu Dhabi and will now be taking the track following Formula 2’s Practice session.

    Super excited to say I’ll be doing my first FP1 this weekend in Spa. I honestly couldn’t think of a better place to do it, it’s going to be a very exciting feeling. It’s a historic track and a place that I’ve always enjoyed driving, so in a Formula 1 car it’s gonna be incredible. I’ve been doing a lot of sim work over the year as well leading up to this, so I think the prep has been really, really good. Obviously, I had my first outing last year in December and since then, honestly, I’ve been dying to get back in the car.

    Liam Lawson on his FP1 outing.

  • Gasly to remain with Alpha Tauri

    AlphaTauri have confirmed that Pierre Gasly will be remaining with the team for the 2023 season, ending speculation that the Frenchman might depart for new pastures at the end of the season.

    Following confirmation that Sergio Perez is staying on at Red Bull until 2024, and thus blocking Gasly’s route to the team he drove 12 races for in 2019. Gasly has always been open about wanting to have conversations with Red Bull’s motorsports advisor, Dr Helmut Marko regarding where his future is.

    Gasly made his F1 debut with the team, then known as Toro Rosso, at the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix, and has subsequently taken three podiums with the squad including his win at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix.

    We are really pleased to confirm that Pierre stays with us in 2023. He is definitely in the group of the best and most competitive drivers in F1 and has proven his abilities during all the time he has spent with us. Undoubtedly, Pierre can play a major role in the team having a successful season next year and it will be down to us to provide him with a competitive car, so that he can continue to deliver excellent results.

    Franz Tost, Team Boss of AlphaTauri.

    “I have been with this team for five years now and I am proud of the journey we’ve been through together and the progress we have made. I’m happy to remain with my Scuderia AlphaTauri team. This year’s new regulations have created new challenges for us and being able to plan our development with the team for the next 18 months is a good working basis for the future.

    Pierre Gasly on signing another year.

    My Opinion-

    We all knew this was going to happen, especially because Pierre is still contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2023, and in all honesty they (Red Bull) wouldn’t let him go to another team until that time is up.

  • AT03

    AT03

    Alpha Tauri have kicked of a new week with revealing their 2022 car, the AT03. They are the fifth team to launch their programme.

    The Italian team scored their highest points tally to date last year, with Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda picking up a total of 142 points which led them to finish 6th overall in the constructors championship.

    The AT03 is decked out in a revised blue and white livery, which shows that the new rules have brought a variety of designs to the 2022 grid. Gasly and Tsunoda will get the chance to run the AT03 during three days of running in Barcelona.

    “I am excited to finally reveal what our 2022 Formula 1 car will look like,” said Team Principal Franz Tost. “It is a completely new era for F1 and we hope that this package will be very strong, following last year’s success. Once again, we have worked closely with AlphaTauri (Red Bull’s clothing brand) to launch our new car and I think we’ve managed to deliver something very special.”

    Gasly, who scored a podium in Baku last season and finished ninth in the drivers’ standings, added: “This year sees a huge change to the car as, due to the new regulations, the look and design is completely different, so the team has had to start from a clean sheet of paper. We won’t know the true performance of the AT03 until we get it out on track at pre-season testing in Barcelona but so far, I think it looks great and I am very excited to get this new season started.”

    Tsunoda, who has been retained for a second season, said: “It really does look great. Of course we’ve not seen the real car on track yet, but the new shape and design are really cool, and I think the livery suits it really well and I hope everyone enjoys the launch video.”

    My Opinion-

    So with Alpha Tauri I wasn’t expecting much, but this car is wow. I definitely think the new style of the car makes everyone’s look a lot cleaner, but I think AT have hit the nail on the head with this livery compared to last years.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ9KHPpquz5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • 14.02.22

    Alpha Tauri have announced the date for their car reveal and that will be on the 14th February.

    The AT03 is set to be piloted by Red Bull Juniors, Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda. The sister team of Red Bull was the fifth team to confirm their date for the world to see.

    2022 will see Alpha Tauri use power units from Red Bull Powertrains for the very first time, after Honda departed from the sport at the end of last season.

    This season should be a pretty big year for Alpha Tauri, partly because of the new power units- but also because Pierre Gasly has just come off an impressive season, and his team-mate will be going into his second season in the sport and hopefully be wanting to be build on last year!

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZMUChslJKm/?utm_medium=copy_link

  • Young Drivers Test 2021

    The Young Drivers Test, allows an opportunity for teams to field junior drivers to gain experience in F1 machinery, this takes place once a year and always once the season has ended. Lets take a look at who is driving for which team!

    Mercedes-

    Nyck de Vries will be in the silver arrows. This is no surprise to me, as his took part in it last year. Not only this, but Nyck is a test and reserve driver for Mercedes. The dutchman has driven in Formula E since 2020 with the Mercedes EQ Formula E Team and this year he became the first ever World Champion in Formula E.

    Red Bull-

    We have Formula 2 driver, Juri Vips driving for Red Bull in the YDT. Juri is apart of the Red Bull Junior Team, once again this isn’t Vips first time in the YDT, he drove for Red Bull last year too. Vips hasn’t got anything lined up for next year he could become Red Bull’s Test and reserve driver, as Alex Albon is going to Williams next year.

    Ferrari-

    Ferrari have two drivers doing the test for them, Robert Shwartzman who is apart of the Ferrari Driver Academy, and finished 2nd this year in Formula 2 Championship. As well as Antonio Fuoco. Fuoco done his first test with the Italian team back in 2015 and was also part of the Ferrari Driver Academy up until 2019, he was then promoted to Ferrari’s F1 simulator team, this line up for Ferrari is the same as last year.

    McLaren-

    The papaya team have Pato O’Ward in the car. Pato is not a stranger to McLaren as he races in IndyCar with the McLaren Arrows, and Zak Brown made a deal with the Mexican if he won in IndyCar he will get a chance to test the F1 car, so here we are! Pato is doing another year in Indy Car next year and it is said if he wins the championship there could be a possible move for him to F1 for McLaren!

    Alpine-

    Now, Alpine has the 2021 Formula Two Champion in their car for the Young Drivers Test. Oscar Piastri is apart of the Alpine Academy and has had an amazing career winning 3 titles back to back. However that didn’t secure Oscar a seat in F1 this year… Instead he is now Alpines test and reserve driver.

    Alpha Tauri-

    Another Formula 2 driver is amongst us! This time we have Liam Lawson who is driving for Alpha Tauri. Lawson is apart of the Red Bull Junior Team, he took part in both DTM and Formula 2 this year. DTM he finished 2nd, and F2 finished 9th overall, there is no news yet to see what he is doing next year but speculation is he will do another season in F2 which will be his second year if he did.

    Aston Martin-

    Aston Martin have chosen Nick Yelloly for the test, Nick is no stranger to the Silverstone based team as he has been their simulator driver for a few years now, he now gets to test the Aston Martin.

    Williams-

    Williams have decided to put their new Academy driver into the hot seat for the young drivers test. Logan Sargeant will be making an appearance for the British team, he has confirmed he will be racing in F2 next year with Carlin, whilst also being on stand-by helping out Williams when he can.

    Alfa Romeo-

    Alfa Romeo will be putting their new driver, Guanyu Zhou in for the YDT, as well as testing the prototype car on Wednesday. Zhou, finished 3rd in the Formula 2 Championship this year, and now he is graduating to Formula One.

    Haas-

    Robert Shwartzman will also be in the car for Haas. This wasn’t meant to be his first time in a Haas car, he was actually meant to run in the first practice session of the 2020 Abu Dhabi GP but did not appear on the entry list.

  • RB and AT to run special livery

    Red Bull and Alpha Tauri are set to run a special livery this weekend at the Turkish Grand Prix as a special tribute to Honda.

    If the Japanese GP was going ahead it would of been this weekend, which means Honda’s last home grand prix, unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions means that they will miss out.

    The RB16Bs of both Max and Sergio will run in a predominantly white livery which is inspired by the pain scheme of the Honda RA272 where Richie Ginther raced to victory at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix.

    Where as Pierre’s and Yuki’s AlphaTauri’s will feature the word ‘arigato’ which is the Japanese word for ‘thank-you’ this is aimed to be on the rear wings of the AT02.

    Red Bull’s partnership with Honda launched back in 2018, since then Honda have helped both Red Bull and AlphaTauri reach the top step of the podium, with Red Bull scoring 13 victories to date and AlphaTauri taking hone a memorable win on home turf in Italy 2020. In total Red Bull and Honda have together scored 35 podium finishes and 11 pole positions.

    Team Principle and CEO of Red Bull Racing Honda, Christian Horner said: “We had all been looking forward to giving Honda’s Japanese fans a chance to celebrate our extremely successful relationship in Formula One, on home soil at Suzuka. With the race falling victim to the pandemic, we just couldn’t let the weekend pass without paying tribute to Honda and its amazing home fans by bringing a little bit of its heritage to Istanbul. The livery chosen for our cars pays homage to Honda’s remarkable F1 journey and hopefully we can give fans another victory in those legendary colours this weekend.”

    My Opinion-

    It’s a lovely gesture from RB and AT however I cant comment too much on what it looks like as all we have is a little teaser video below, but from what I can see it looks good…

  • Gasly & Tsunoda retained by AlphaTauri

    Well it seems like a week of driver announcements this week! Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly have been retained by AlphaTauri for 2022.

    Pierre has been with AlphaTauri since being demoted by Red Bull back in 2019 and it saw him get his first win in F1 with AT. His constantly dragging everything out of the car to perform well and it seems to be paying off, and his hoping for some podium finishes this year! His currently sat in 8th in the drivers championship.

    Yuki is new to AlphaTauri, with it being his rookie season in F1, he hasn’t done too bad… He scored points in his first race, which put peoples expectations high but as he is only a rookie you can’t expect him to finish in the points consistently. You can expect mistakes in the first year as they are still learning the car and where the limits are. Yuki is currently sat in 13th in the drivers championship.

    I think for AlphaTauri next year, they will be looking to get more up the front, with both drivers being consistent in the points they would want to be battling for P3, P4 in the championship alongside McLaren and Ferrari

    Looking into the new aerodynamic era of Formula 1, Gasly assessed “there are great things to achieve”. “I’m very excited to see what we can accomplish in the new era of F1 and to keep working with the team as best as I can to bring us forward in the team standings. This year has been very successful so far and I really believe we can work well together to do even better in 2022.”

    “I’m really excited to be staying with Scuderia AlphaTauri for a second season,” said Tsunoda. “It’s an incredible opportunity and I’m so thankful to the team for letting me continue to grow my experience in Formula 1 with them.”

    My Opinion-

    I think this is a good move, both drivers get on well on and off the track. I didn’t see them changing it to be honest, this line-up provides stability into the new season and I think thats good especially with the changes coming in next season.

    I do think Pierre should be in a top car, he deserves to show what his capable off and I feel like his shown what he can do in an AlphaTauri, put him in an Ferrari and he will do brilliant things. However that won’t happen as he is still under contract with Red Bull as a junior driver until 2023, so if he wants to break out of it then the 2023 season is where it happens.