F1 News: AlphaTauri To Receive Major Red Bull RB19 Component
AlphaTauri's significant progress in the latter part of 2023 has set the stage for major upgrades in 2024. The team, rumoured to be called "Racing Bulls" next season, is poised to incorporate key elements from Red Bull's RB19, heralding a new era in their F1 journey to the front of the pack.
Key Takeaways:
- Major Upgrade with Red Bull Technology: AlphaTauri, soon to be renamed "Racing Bulls", is set to receive a significant upgrade with the implementation of Red Bull's RB19's pull-rod front suspension, marking a substantial shift in their technical approach.
- New Management and Name Change: The team's evolution is further underscored by changes in management, with Laurent Mekies taking over as Team Principal, and a rumoured renaming to "Racing Bulls". This shift represents a closer alignment with Red Bull, both technically and in terms of branding.
- Continued Independence in Design: Despite the adoption of Red Bull components, the team will maintain its independence in certain design aspects, blending elements from McLaren, Aston Martin, and Williams. This strategy aims to create a unique and competitive car for the 2024 season.
AlphaTauri really hit their stride towards the end of 2023, a stark difference from the beginning of the season where they struggled to reach the top 10. This boost in their performance mainly came from major upgrades made to the AT04 late in the season. Thanks to said upgrades, the team's results made a positive jump, with at least one of the two drivers usually ending in the points after the United States Grand Prix.
The Faenza team has been keen on having a much closer relationship with its sister team Red Bull. Because of this, the team will undergo a branding transformation to match this next season, including a rumoured name change to "Racing Bulls", and will welcome new American sponsors. Once again, it's a rumour that states it could be a fashion brand that flashes the cash in their direction.
The 2024 season will therefore mark a pivotal point for the team thanks to these changes. They will be introducing a car heavily influenced by the potent Red Bull's RB19, particularly in its aerodynamics and front suspension, according to Formu1a.uno.
The adoption of the RB19's pull-rod front suspension will be seen as a significant step for the car, promising a lower front centre of gravity and a more stable chassis under braking forces, ensuring that the car stays level for aerodynamic efficiency. However, according to the media outlet, the team will follow a unique approach by blending various design philosophies, including those from McLaren, Aston Martin, and Williams - not just the Milton Keynes car as some fans have been worried about.
Despite concerns from stakeholders such as Toto Wolff, the FIA has found no evidence of direct cooperation between Red Bull and AlphaTauri in terms of design. They are, however, keen on implementing stricter controls to prevent data leaks between top teams and their sister or satellite teams to prevent this in the future.