AlphaTauri set for another upgrade in F1 after livery and name change

Following a brand-new livery and rebranding, AlphaTauri’s relationship with Red Bull is all set to change. At least, according to Helmut Marko. The Austrian, who was present at the 2020 AlphaTauri car launch, had an interesting revelation to make.

Red Bull to treat AlphaTauri as a ‘sister team’

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, Scuderia Toro Rosso no longer exists. The team officially morphed to ‘AlphaTauri’ in a glitzy fashion show launch in Salzburg yesterday. The Italian team unveiled a stunning new livery, which was an instant hit among the fans. Some, including me, have adjudged AlphaTauri’s new car- “the best looking F1 car in the last five years”.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko acknowledged the change but claimed it was more than just an aesthetic rebranding.

Speaking to motorsport-magazin.com, Marko said:

“With this name change and all this publicity and the funds going into promotion, the demand [for resources] has clearly increased,” 

“There is a transformation and an upgrading from junior to sister team. Everything that is permitted and as far as our capacities are sufficient is [also provided] at AlphaTauri,”

That is a very positive proclamation for AlphaTauri, who in their 14 years in the sport, has always remained in Red Bull’s shadow. With Marko signalling a shift in the relationship, AlphaTauri may finally challenge the midfield on a more consistent basis.

However, Marko also admitted that AlphaTauri wouldn’t be receiving all the major updates from Red Bull in 2020. With regulation constraints, AlphaTauri will most likely bear resemblance to Red Bull’s 2019 car, the RB15.

Franz Tost aims high for 2020

“Of course with a time lag, because with the pace of development that Red Bull Racing has, we are more than challenged ourselves, especially in this early phase of the season. The backlog is between three and six months. The great evolution has taken place at Red Bull and this can only be incorporated [at AlphaTauri] by the middle of the season at the earliest, if at all.” concluded Marko.

With Red Bull providing support as the rules and regulations allow, the Italian team can finally find its footing in F1. AlphaTauri had an amazing 2019, with the team picking up 2 podiums after a gap of 11 years.

Team principal Franz Tost had high expectations from the team for 2020. The Austrian said AlphaTauri was targeting 5th in the Constructors’, at their 2020 car launch.