AlphaTauri will undergo a series of important adjustments in 2024, in the tope of producing competitive results. According to their technical director, returning to their level from a 2020-21 would be a welcome progression.
Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo became something of dark horses at the end of last season. Equipped with the AT04’s latest upgrades, both drivers competed for points on a regular basis – often becoming nuisances for the top teams.
This leap in competitiveness was positive for all parties. Tsunoda, for example, managed to lead a handful of laps at the Abu Dhabi GP.
As a team conceived to develop talent and give Red Bull driver options, fighting for regular points is a bare minimum. This allows their drivers to be assessed more accurately in competitive conditions.
After all, those at the front are inevitably perceived as faster than drivers at backmarker teams – though there are exceptions.
Over the next twelve months, the AlphaTauri duo will make a case why they deserve a promotion.
Speaking to motorsport.com, AlphaTauri’s technical director – Jody Egginton – outlined the team’s aims for 2024:
“We want to continue on the path of progress that we started in the second half of the year.
“The goal is to achieve something similar to what we did from 2020 to 2021.
“We’ve been there before. We’ve done it, we just need a solid winter and a good start to the season.”
This objective seems reasonable for AlphaTauri, who will be re-branded before the 2024 campaign commences.
A lack of performance was a significant factor in sparking Red Bull’s intervention in the Italian squad. So it stands to reason, therefore, that improved results are a necessity.
Based on the team’s strong finish last year, aspiring for the top 6 in the constructors is realistic. Most evidence would suggest they were either on par or faster than Alpine by the Abu Dhabi GP.
In a season that promises plenty of unpredictability, AlphaTauri’s inclusion at the sharp end of the grid could be a welcome development in the 2024 F1 season.
