AlphaTauri revealed a new livery for its Formula One car during a digital launch event. The new design affects the AT04 car and its Japanese driver, Yuki Tsunoda, who needs to score many more points than he did last year to prove himself as highly skilled.
Last weekend, AlphaTauri took the wraps off its new Formula One car livery, which will be the focus of attention in 2023. The AT04 digital launch event revealed a design that will apply to the car driven by Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda. Moreover, the Italian team’s team boss Franz Tost spoke about Tsunoda’s performance this season as he is expected to be highly competitive.
He said: “Last year, Yuki struggled with the car. This year, as I expect we will have quite a competitive car, Yuki must always aim to be in Qualifying Three (the final phase) and finish the races in the points.” Tsunoda needs to demonstrate his highly-regarded driving skills and achieve better results this season, especially after scoring only 12 points in 2021.
Yuki Tsunoda, who will be starting his third year with AlphaTauri, has worked hard on his physical condition and confidence and now trains with Michael Italiano, a coach previously employed by Australian Driver Daniel Ricciardo. He feels he is ready to perform better in 2023 and is confident about his driving skills and car development.
Meanwhile, AlphaTauri has appointed Dutch driver Nyck de Vries to replace Pierre Gasly, who is now driving for Renault’s Alpine team. De Vries, who won the electric Formula E championship in 2021, is more experienced than the average rookie and could give the team an extra boost on the track.
AlphaTauri finished ninth of the 10 teams in 2022, compared to sixth in 2021. However, Tost thinks the field will be closer this season and that De Vries will quickly get up to speed. The 2023 Formula One season begins in Bahrain on March 5.