The Evolution of AlphaTauri
Originally known as Toro Rosso (Red Bull in Italian), the team stepped into the grid back in 2006. Renamed AlphaTauri from 2020, the change intended to boost the visibility of Red Bull’s fashion brand. Now, as we move towards the 2024 campaign, the team undergoes another transformation. The visa Cash App RB Formula One Team, as they will be fully called, intends to strengthen ties with their Red Bull operation.
Laurent Mekies, former Ferrari Deputy Team Principal and Racing Director, is replacing the retired team boss Franz Tost. This transition marks a fresh start for the team that has been a nurturing platform for numerous junior drivers over the years.
Alumni Success
To name a few, Sebastian Vettel, the four-time champion, three-time champion Max Verstappen, and multiple race winner Daniel Ricciardo, have all gained invaluable experience with this team before progressing to Red Bull.
Memorable moments from AlphaTauri’s tenure in Formula 1 include a notable victory for Pierre Gasly at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix. This victory harkened back to the days of Vettel’s breakthrough triumph in 2008 during the Toro Rosso era.
Looking Ahead
RB looks forward to the 2024 season with great anticipation. Yuki Tsunoda will be embarking on his fourth F1 season. Simultaneously, Ricciardo will retain his spot after replacing Nyck de Vries midway through the 2023 season, bouncing back from injuries sustained during a crash at Zandvoort practice.
Simultaneously, Peter Bayer, former FIA member, has been appointed as the new CEO, marking another executive shift. Bayer will be supervising the team's operations.
The team finished eighth in the constructors' standings for 2023, above Alfa Romeo and Haas, driven by a late spurt in points-gathering performances. As they step into their new era, it will surely be interesting to follow the progression of the Visa Cash App RB Formula One team. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting evolution in the world of Formula 1.