Until the most recent triple header, it was a season to forget for
AlphaTauri. Only a handful of points were scored in the first 17
Grands Prix, but three race weekends later, the points total stands
at 21 for Red Bull’s sister team. In the United States, Yuki
Tsunoda drove to eighth place, while in Mexico Daniel Ricciardo
crossed the finish line seventh. The Australian was a bit unlucky
after a red flag, as otherwise there might have been even more
points on the board. Tsunoda also threw away points at the
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez when he collided with Oscar Piastri.
Last weekend in Brazil, things once again went well for AlphaTauri
with points in the sprint and main race for Tsunoda. Ricciardo
started the race in a hopeless position, as at the restart he had
to continue the race a lap behind after his car had to be repaired
by a flying tyre from a lap one crash. However, his pace had
obviously been good enough for points. Resurrection It ensured that
AlphaTauri moved up from last to eighth in the Constructors’
standings. Two more similar races, and seventh place is in the
offing for Franz Tost’s team. So what has happened in recent weeks?
Why is AlphaTauri suddenly succeeding now? According to new
AlphaTauri CEO Peter Bayer, it all started in Singapore. It was
there that the team arrived with major updates, to almost every
aspect of the car. The floor, diffuser, side pod and rear
suspension were addressed. “The Singapore upgrade was the starting
signal. Since then, we have brought more parts to optimize the
package,” he told Auto Motor und Sport . Furthermore, Ricciardo has
provided a boost, mainly because of his technical insights as a
driver. “In terms of set-up, we have made great progress,” Bayer
continued. “Daniel was extremely involved and helped the engineers
and since then the drivers have been very satisfied with the car at
the meetings. We now have the tyres well under control and we are
no longer the slowest on the straights. In terms of top speed, we
are now in midfield. “The good results gave the team a boost.
Everyone can see that things are going better now and that the
upgrades are working. This also gives the drivers more
self-confidence and can choose the attack. That risk often pays off
and if it turns out well, it also encourages everyone in the
factory.” Tsunoda is delighted After the Brazilian GP
dissatisfaction was evident with Ricciardo mainly because of the F1
regulations, but on Yuki Tsunoda’s face there was a nice smile. “I
think we’re a dark horse, especially with the other competitors,”
he told media including RacingNews365.com . “So far we scored
points for three races in a row, we have very good rhythm. Now it’s
just keep doing it like this, we’re closer to P7 in the
championship. I think it’s possible.”
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