As the 2023 Formula 1 season approaches its finale, AlphaTauri has showcased remarkable improvements in its performance. The team's resurgence began after the summer break and was highlighted by Daniel Ricciardo's strong showing in Mexico. Consistent points finishes in the last three races have enabled them to surpass rivals Haas and Alfa Romeo in the constructors' standings. "The objective from today was to score points and reduce the gap to Williams. We succeeded," said Claudio Balestra after the Brazilian Grand Prix.
In Brazil, Ricciardo's AT04 displayed impressive race pace in the closing stages, a development that has left the team feeling a mix of satisfaction and frustration over missed opportunities. As they head to Las Vegas, an entirely new circuit that places high demands on aerodynamic efficiency, AlphaTauri is eager to assess how their recent upgrades will translate into performance.
The team's transformation can be traced back to their strategic implementation of key upgrades, particularly the adoption of the RB19 suspension. This shift marked a significant turning point for the Faenza-based squad, encapsulating a fresh chapter in their campaign. "This is not dissimilar to the path that McLaren began at Silverstone,” observed sources close to the team.
The introduction of the RB19 rear suspension at the Singapore Grand Prix represented a pivotal moment for AlphaTauri. Prior to this, the team had been reliant on the outdated RB18 suspension from the previous season. Thanks to advancements inherited from the dominant Red Bull chassis this year, both Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda were able to unlock new potential from their cars.
The superior mechanics and kinematics of the new suspension allowed for enhanced stability - crucial in fine-tuning the aerodynamic performance of the AT04, which had suffered from drag issues in the early part of the season. "The car suffered from significant drag at the beginning of the year, combined with a lack of aerodynamic downforce," admitted Jody Egginton, AlphaTauri's technical chief. With diligent work, the team has managed to reduce drag substantially, reshaping their efficiency in comparison to competitors.
The iterative development approach adopted by the engineering team has proven effective, particularly as they obtained better correlations between wind tunnel data and on-track performance post-summer break. For over a year, AlphaTauri has utilized the wind tunnel in Milton Keynes, which is also used by the Red Bull team, enhancing their collaborative efforts for greater technical synergy moving forward. Egginton noted, "The aerodynamicists from Faenza did not revolutionize the launch concept, but they perfected the starting point."
This partnership is expected to evolve even further as the team prepares for the 2024 season. The upcoming changes include a leadership shift, with Laurent Mekies, formerly of Ferrari, stepping in as the new Team Principal. This transition is part of a broader strategy by the Red Bull group, aiming to strengthen AlphaTauri's position within the sport.
While the AT04 has already undergone significant development, AlphaTauri is not finished yet. With their newfound correlation and insights from extensive wind tunnel testing, the team is set to roll out additional updates before the season concludes. "The last update that will be seen in Abu Dhabi will be important for the 2024 car," Egginton added, highlighting the importance of this off-season.
The 2023 season has opened new avenues for AlphaTauri, and as they continue to build on their recent gains, the focus is on establishing a robust foundation for the year ahead. With the prospect of a name change on the horizon, aligning closer with Red Bull branding, and an influx of new innovations, the future looks promising for the Faenza-based team.