AlphaTauri has dominated F1 news stories with driver swaps in 2023, but their lack of performance is also worthy of discussion. Steps will be taken to address the team’s lack of pace, many of which are to be implemented in the next twelve months.
The Faenza squad finished just 9th in last year’s standings and could end this season in last place. Although Tsunoda has been unfortunate not to score more points, the AT04 is clearly one of the worst machines on the grid.
Even Williams now fights for points merit, whilst AlphaTauri often relies on retirements from faster cars. For a team designed to train and develop young talent, this lack of performance is unacceptable to Red Bull.
Yuki Tsunoda or Liam Lawson (who replaces injured Daniel Ricciardo) can execute strong races and still leave empty-handed. Though assessing drivers nearer the back is possible, quantifying a driver’s pace is easier in a competitive car.
Helmut Marko often speaks on this issue, but this time, it is AlphaTauri CEO Peter Bayer who explains the roadmap:
“In the future, we will get everything that is permitted by the regulations from Red Bull Racing. And [we] will also come closer to Red Bull in terms of car design,” he told Sky Germany.
“Italy will remain as our headquarters. Everything that is currently happening in Italy (production, personnel development and finances) will remain there.
“We already have a small location in Bicester [England]. And the current plan is actually to move the aerodynamics design team to Milton Keynes.”
In a field where six teams have scored podiums in 2023, AlphaTauri must find ways to stay competitive.
Considering Red Bull’s dominance of F1, it seems bizarre that its sister team is struggling so drastically. This discrepancy has clearly been noticed and – from 2024 – should be addressed.
In the meantime, the Italian outfit has the task of acclimatising Liam Lawson to the AT04 for Monza this weekend – since Daniel Ricciardo’s recovery could take some time.
It is crucial for the youngster to acclimatise quickly and continue the positive F1 news coverage from his Zandvoort debut.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
