With all 10 F1 teams now having confirmed launch dates for 2024, several teams are expected to reveal new liveries. Alpine F1 is among them, with the French outfit teasing a new colour scheme on social media over the winter break.
Whilst seemingly a secondary or tertiary aspect of Formula 1, liveries and car launches play an integral role. Primarily, a team’s aesthetic is crucial to building and consolidating its brand.
Ferrari’s iconic scarlet red and Aston Martin’s racing green are both good examples. This is often why teams are hesitant to make significant changes to their colour schemes – excluding the presence of a new sponsor.
Another noteworthy point is the emergence of exposed carbon, with Formula 1’s weight limit seeing many teams eliminate weight with reduced paint.
Regardless, the upcoming pre-season launches should offer some surprises. Alpine F1 Team should be one of them, after showing glimpses of a pink cameo-inspired livery in recent weeks.
Pink set to return at Alpine F1
For a team partnered with BWT, pink liveries – at least to some degree – are almost guaranteed. Last season, the team embraced this in the opening few rounds – sporting a fully pink car in the opening rounds.
They later returned to Alpine’s more traditional blue, although the pink BWT branding was still present on the A523.
BWT’s history with adding pink to the grid began in 2017 when they began a multi-year sponsorship deal with Force India. Over time, this combination has become well-recognised in F1, which is an objective sign of marketing success.
It remains to be seen whether Alpine – as they did last season – reveal two liveries. The first will be for pre-season and the opening rounds, whilst the second will be used thereafter.
For a team who, per Otmar Szafnauer, is still operating below the budget cap, these commercial deals are important.
Unless there is a radical change in direction, the Enstone-based squad will continue to boast unique liveries.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
