General
What can we expect from AlphaTauri? Progress with a new driver
AlphaTauri is expected to unveil its 2021 season car on Friday morning. The Italian team, racing for the second season under its new name, performed well in 2020 and expectations are high for 2021 with a new driver.
Yuki Tsunoda will make the switch from Formula 2 to the premier class of motor racing. In his first season in F2, the Japanese driver finished third in the championship, which was enough for AlphaTauri to give him a seat alongside the experienced Pierre Gasly.
First victory in first season
The Frenchman is, after last season, in an illustrious line-up with Sebastian Vettel. The two F1 drivers are the only ones to have won for Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri, both at Monza. Whereas Vettel did so in a rained out circuit, Gasly had the benefit of a chaotic race with a red flag. So with a race winner and a rookie, AlphaTauri has plenty to look forward to.
The car will also be a lot faster than last year. Although AlphaTauri had the option of taking over parts from Red Bull Racing 'for free', they ignored that option in order to focus on their own development. They have used their tokens wisely for 2021 and have a clear plan for the coming season.
The livery
Last year it was a big surprise which livery AlphaTauri would appear on the grid with, because the name change also came with a new livery. For 2021, a lot less surprises are expected. The Italian team will not apply any major changes and, like McLaren, there will mainly be changes in the details and aerodynamics of the car.
The biggest visible change, as with McLaren on 15 February, will be at the floor. The part of the car needs to be changed due to FIA regulations and so that will most likely be the biggest change to the AT02. Whether the car is also fast, we will see during the winter test in Bahrain, when the cars will hit the track for the first time.
