The AlphaTauri has chosen Newy York fashion week to show the new livery of the 2023 single-seater, trying to exploit the driving force of F1 with a skilful marketing operation to give credibility to the Red Bull Group clothing brand.
It was no coincidence that the team from Faenza chose February 11 to bring down the players, but Franz Tost’s staff has shown that they have much more respect for their fans, compared to the arrogant attitude of the Red Bull “brothers” who on 3 February they boasted the presence of the RB19 in the Big Apple, to then only announce the collaboration with Ford for the 2026 power unit.
Shortly after the launch of the new more electric blue (dominant), white and red colors (in honor of the new sponsor Orlen), the first images of the AT04 were also released. The new single-seater curated by Jody Egginton could not be shipped to the United States, given that it will shoot on February 14 on the filming day scheduled at Misano Adriatico.
Alpha Tauri 04
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
More downforce and less weight
The car, which will be entrusted to Yuki Tsunoda and Nyck De Vries, was designed with two objectives: to increase the aerodynamic load and bring the minimum weight of the regulation closer to 798 kg.
The technicians are satisfied with the work done and are looking at the 2023 season with some optimism, aware that they will have to move back towards the mid-group positions after the disappointing ninth position in the Constructors’ championship last year.
The AT04 is a car with its own distinct personality: obviously influenced by Red Bull, but, not having the full budget available to Milton Keynes, it is the result of certain compromise solutions.
AlphaTauri, having finished so far behind in the team standings, will be able to benefit from 1,056 hours of wind tunnel this year, while Red Bull will only be able to exploit 605 as they are the world champion team and penalized for budget overruns Postal Code. The twin teams use the same wind tunnel in Milton Keynes.
Alpha Tauri 04
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Red Bull gearbox and push rod suspension
If last year Eggington had gone shopping at Red Bull Technologies to get the front suspension of the RB17B, preferring to maintain the rear suspension of the Faenza tradition, it can be said that this time AlphaTauri has focused on a major renewal in the rear. taking Adrian Newey’s change and allowing himself to switch to the push rod suspension, following the development line already opened by the world champions.
A choice that allows you not to have aerodynamic interference with arms that can dirty the flows in the bottom area, perhaps even breaking up a triangle with multilink levers.
The AT04 has a long transmission case (the wheelbase should be at the limit of the regulation 3,600 mm) and, like the Red Bull, has the rider sitting rather forward.
The rendering images do not allow you to evaluate the great work done in the packaging of the RBPT by Honda power unit: with a careful arrangement of the radiators and accessories it was possible to reduce ducts, pipes and wiring, obtaining a weight saving.
In the mouth there is a bit of Ferrari
The mouth of the radiators has a new design: it is placed very high following a curious mix between Ferrari and Red Bull. Above the belly is housed the largest rear view mirror with the three flow diverters as support: the idea has been taken verbatim since the end of last year. Below, the opening has increased significantly, which should allow for an increase in the flow to be carried towards the bottom.
The side is sloping and shows a certain concavity, going beyond the aerodynamic vein dear to Adrian Newey: for the moment, there are no hot air vents, except at the end of the T-shaped bodywork which is typical of the House. Too little to cool the 6-cylinder Honda RA622H, so expect to see gills appear.
Square airbox and closed engine hood
The two-stage airbox is now squarer with the supercharger intake at the bottom and the service cooler intake above. The bonnet envelops the mechanics like a second skin, but what is surprising is the width of the flat sidewalk which acts as a duct to bring the hot air from the radiators to be evacuated to the rear with a megaphone shape.
And the vertical “wall” on the sides of the engine and exhausts stands out as proof of the cleanliness that was obtained to increase the efficiency of the beam wing in two elements, designed to improve the extractor effect of the rear diffuser.
The rear wing support is single-pylon, like on the AT03 in the second part of the season. The chosen wing is rather unloaded with a slightly spooned main profile on the sides and a mobile flap with a certain chord.
The bottom with two Elle cuts
The bottom shows a sidewalk raised by 15 mm by regulation which seems to take advantage of the greater groove under the sides which do not push towards the maximum width. The first version of the trailing edge features two L-shaped cuts, while in front of the rear wheel it seems to see a very clean and linear area.
Muzzle rounded and very long
The front area of the AT04 seems less innovative, but it actually highlights some interesting aspects: the muzzle is very long with a rounded profile, whereas before it was substantially flat. It extends to the tip of the main profile. In the lower part, an attempt was made to excavate the surface to increase the filling of air to be conveyed towards the Venturi channels.
New concept of the front wing
The front wing is a new concept: the main profile is flat and long chord, while the three flaps are anchored far back to the side bulkhead in an attempt to enhance the outwash effect. Like the Haas, the AlphaTauri also seems to like the more loaded mobile flap in the central part.
The front suspension has kept last year’s push rod layout, even if the anti-dive effect of the upper triangle seems to be accentuated.
The AT04 doesn’t give us revolutionary ideas, but a very clean line with essential concepts: we’ll see how much it can capitalize on the close relationship with Red Bull…
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