AlphaTauri

**AlphaTauri-Honda RBPT**

## Season Results

Complete Formula One results for Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri (UniONE CAREER results only).

### **2014 (UniONE CAREER S1)**

For the first time in their history, Toro Rosso would be powered by Renault. the STR9 looked to be decently competitive, with Jean-Eric Vergne taking third in the season opener at Australia. A slump in results would lead to the Italian team slipping behind Marussia with Josh Tirowee scoring all 44 points for the team.

### **2015 (UniONE CAREER S2)**

Toro Rosso would continue with Renault power, and despite having five different drivers throughout the season, Toro Rosso would score over double the amount of points as in the previous season. Once again, a podium would come for the team at the season opener, this time from Daniil Kvyat.

### **2016 (UniONE CARER S3)**

Unlike the previous two season, the Australian Grand Prix would prove to be a nightmare for Toro Rosso, as their two drivers would collide with each other and trigger the first Safety Car of the season. The season high would come at Spain, with Max Verstappen taking 2nd - Toro Rosso's highest finish since 2008. In terms on points scored, 2016 was the teams most successful season.

### **2017 (UniONE CAREER S4)**

Toro Rosso came into 2017 not expecting much, as the regulation changes open up the gap between the teams. Despite funding from Red Bull, the Italian team lack the outright facilities to develop their two cars. However, Toro Rosso can take some comfort in signing a new two year engine deal with Renault. As expected, neither Sainz or Gasly were able to score regular points throughout the season.

2018 had the potential to be a breakaway year for the Italian outfit. Being the only team to run Honda power, they were in effect a works team, however after the first six rounds, Toro Rosso are the only team without a points finish. The team's first points would come at the next race, with Gasly finishing his home race in 11th to claim two points for his efforts. Gasly would once again bring home some points for Toro Rosso at the Singapore Grand Prix, with another 11th place finish.

Signs of progress from Honda were visible at their home Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, as Gasly was able to give the Williams-BMW of Josh Tirowee a run for his money on the run up to 130R. At the Mexican Grand Prix, both cars made progress from the back of the grid, however Gasly would retire with engine failure midway through the race. For the first time since 2009, Toro Rosso finished last in the Constructor's Championship.

### **2019 (UniONE CAREER S6)**

The long time affiliated Red Bull junior team look to make amends for a disaster 2018, and are keen to see what their two new rookie drivers can do. The chassis of the STR14 is much improved, as it's been built around the Honda engine for this season. Despite the visible gains, neither Toro Rosso driver finished in the points. Kari would take his first points in F1 and the team's first of the season at round 3. Kari would finish 10th again in round 4, meaning that the team had already surpassed their points tally from 2018. Albon took his first point at round 5, after a quiet race and profiting from the late retirement of Daniil Kvyat.

Albon was promoted to Red Bull at the weekend of the British Grand Prix, replacing Pierre Gasly who'd been dropped for poor performance. This move was met with a lot of criticism, as Gasly was on par with Verstappen in the races up until this point, and Niko Kari in the other Toro Rosso was having the better season over Albon. Albon went on to finish the race in 8th.

Gasly would make a statement of intent at the Belgian Grand Prix. The Frenchman would start from inside the top 10. Keeping out of trouble, he would run in 7th for much of the race. Late race contact however saw him drop to 8th. Both Verstappen and Albon drivers suffered reliability issues in the race, meaning Gasly finished the race as the lead of the Red Bull backed drivers, and only of the four in the points.

The final four races of the season were cancelled, but baring a miracle, Toro Rosso were destined to finish last in the Constructor's standings.

### **AlphaTauri re-brand & 2020 (Season 7)**

After 14 years, the name Toro Rosso disappears from the F1 grid, but the team remains exactly the same, now under the name AlphaTauri, to promote the clothing brand of Red Bull. Once again the team look to be near the back end of the grid, but closer to the pack then in recent years. Due to the team's technical partnership with Red Bull, the rear end of the AlphaTauri car is in many ways similar to that of the Red Bull. This could help the team secure some good finishes in the early rounds, although as of late the Toro Rosso cars improved more as the season progressed.

Sergio put the whole F1 paddock on notice at the first attempt. Starting down the order, the low drag setup allowed the AlphaTauri driver to move up in the race, he even put a move on Max Verstappen in a legitimate move for track position. The Brazilian maximized the opportunity when it started to rain to jump most the field by staying out until it was time for inters. By making one less stop than those around him at this point he found himself in 6th place. With no DRS for the train of cars behind, Sette Camara finished in that position, and as the lead of the Red Bull backed cars. On better result, AlphaTauri also lead Red Bull in the standing after round one.

In a wet-dry Q3 session at the British Grand Prix, Pierre Gasly managed to qualify a shock P2, with Sette Camara just behind in 3rd. A wet race was to follow on Sunday, allowing both drivers to better hold on to some crucial points finishes for AlphaTauri. Gasly finished 7th, with Sette Camara in 10th. Gasly took another 7th place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix, making the most of late season upgrades. Sette Camra utilized the upgrades to great effect at the Chinese Grand Prix. The Brazilian went under the radar all race, but brought his AT01 home in 7th place, and also took the team's first fastest lap since 2008. Gasly's and Sette Camara's best team result came at the Singapore Grand Prix. Both drivers started outside of the top 10, started on Mediums, and were able to do the race with one less stop than those in the top 10. Running in the top five for much of the race, the AlphaTauri drivers ran his own races to secure a crucial 15 points for the team. Gasly finishing in 5th, Sette Camara 6th.

### **2021 (Season 8)**

The team that was previously Toro Rosso look to build momentum from the end of 2020. For a number of seasons the team has been at the back and significantly off the pace, but now the Italian outfit looks to be back of the road to recovery. A potential dark horse at some early events, with both cars regularly in the top 10, and even going fastest in one of the sessions. Being the sister team to Red Bull, AlphaTauri can expect to benefit from further upgrades from the bigger team throughout the season.

In the words of Red Bull's driver advisor Helmut Marko, Sergio Sette Camara did more than enough to warrant a drive at Red Bull, but with no opening in their driver lineup, the Brazilian will spend another year in the development team. Red Bull remain keen to keep the Brazilian in their program, but if he keeps performing like he did last year, it won't be long until he's looking elsewhere for a more competitive drive. After coming good late last season, Pierre Gasly did just enough to hold onto his drive with the Italian squad.

The opening race would be the teams best showing since 2016. Sette Camara and Gasly were very competitive on long and short runs. Good power from an improved Honda engine lead Sette Camara to finish on the podium for the first time in his career. A revitalized Pierre Gasly finished in 8th. A combined 17 points left AlphaTauri third in the Constructor's. The highest position the team had ever been under any guise.

Gasly's best performance to date came at the Dutch Grand Prix, utilizing the low-drag nature of the AT02, the Frenchman finished 4th and lead Red Bull associated driver.

Gasly made a name for himself at the Italian Grand Prix. Starting on the front row for the first time in his career, a good start left him battling Max Verstappen into turn 1. The AlphaTauri was the fastest car in a straight line, and Gasly was able to keep himself in contention for the race win. Leading some laps towards the end of the race, Gasly fell to third but was less than half a second from the race victory.

During the British Grand Prix, both Gasly and Sette Camara would make contact, which would result in the Brazilian retiring on the spot. Gasly would also suffer damage, but was able to continue. The incident also involved the Toyota of Nobuharu Matsushita behind. A Safety Car was called out so the AT02 could be safely removed. Gasly soldiered on, but could only manage an 11th place finish.

AlphaTauri finished the shortened season in 6th overall, with Gasly on the podium at the Belgian Grand Prix.

### **2022 (Season 9)**

AlphaTauri's resurgence in recent seasons look to have come to an end. The previously named Torro Rosso outfit have often struggled on the first year of new regulations. This trend looks set to continue. AlphaTauri have taken the unusual route in not continuing to use the philosophies of sister team Red Bull. One advantage the team look to have an understanding of how to negate the purposing issues. This could prove to be an invaluable benefit in the early rounds, and the AT03 can be run with lower ride height, maximizing ground effect, and will reach a higher top speed with less bouncing.

It's unlikely Pierre Gasly will return to Red Bull any time soon, but he remains part of the family, the Frenchman with another season to show his skill, with early speculation that Alpine or McLaren are interested in him for 2024, if he can keep performing at the high level he's proven to be capable of.

On the other side of the garage is the new youngest driver on the grid. At the age of 22, F2 graduate Yuki Tsonoda steps up to F1 after a difficult but encouraging F2 campaign with Carlin last year. Tsunoda also has Honda backing, and the Japanese mega corporation were keen to keep hold of him, after realizing their mistake of underutalizing now multi-time race winner Nobuharu Matsushita with compatriot rivals Toyota. Sergio Sette Camara leaving the team and the Red Bull family presented the perfect opportunity to bring in the first driver born in the 21st Century into F1.

Tsunoda had an excellent debut outing. The Japanese rookie qualified inside the top 10, and went on to run competitively in the race, finishing in 9th.

Gasly put on an inspired display at the Japanese Grand Prix, battling Champions Lewis Hamilton and Josh Tirowee on his way to 7th place. Tsunoda also took a point in 12th.

Lawson made his debut at the French Grand Prix, in place of Pierre Gasly who suffered hand injuries in the mass pileup at the previous race. Lawson previously completed FP1 for Red Bull at the Australian Grand Prix. The New Zealander impressed in qualifying, securing 19th place, ahead of team mate Yuki Tsunoda.

The race began in intermediate conditions, and Lawson dropped to last off the start. He gained a place on lap 3, when the Toyota of Niko Kari spun at turn 2. Lap 13, Lawson pit for dry tyres, on the exit he was side by side with Tsunoda. On cold tyres, Lawson ran off track, and wiped off his front win on Kari's Toyota when rejoining. This brought out the first of two Safety Cars. Lawson continued, but his race was now nothing more than a televised test session. He completed the race distance in 19th and last of the finishers.

There was a mass-pileup during the Belgian Grand Prix involving Gasly. Most drivers made their one stop at the end of lap 10. Perez pitted for Hard tyres. At pit exit, his RB18 suffered a gearbox issue, as was stuck in second. The Mercedes behind of Russell plowed into Perez, shattering parts of the M13 all over the track. Unsighted drivers behind plowed into the wreckage. Russell, Gasly, Ocon, Albon and Matsushita all left behind their wrecked machines.

The four former would receive medical attention. The red flag was brought out, allowing Verstappen to hold the lead. Perez's fate wad sealed on the reconnaissance lap to the rolling restart, another gearbox issue holding the Mexican.

Gasly returned at AlphaTauri's second home race, the Elilia Romagna Grand Prix. His return race didn't go as planned, retiring behind the Safety Car mid-race after picking up debris from Zhou Gyanyu's crash. Tsunoda battled through the chaos to finish 13th.

AlphaTauri rushed a final upgrade package to the AT03 for the Spanish Grand Prix. The event became the final Wildcard race following the cancellation of the Monaco Grand Prix. Luck however wasn't on the team's side. Gasly retired on lap 2. Tsunoda finished behind the Aston Martin of Sette Camara. Stroll also scored well, and Aston Martin moved ahead of AlphaTauri into 9th.

Tsunoda survived a chaotic United States Grand Prix to secure a point, ahead of both Aston Martins and Max Verstappen! Both drivers finished the points during the Mexican Grand Prix, Tsunoda 11th, Gasly 12th.

Pierre Gasly's upturn in from from Mexico continued at Miami. lap 20/29. Sergio Sette Camara was putting on an expert defense to hold onto 12th from Gasly and Wehrlein. Two laps later, Gasly broke through the Brazilian's defenses to secure 12th and the final point. This moved AlphaTauri one point ahead of their season long rivals Aston Martin.

A late charge from Sette Camara dropped AlphaTarui to the bottom of the standings in 10th.

### **2023 (Season 10)**

AlphaTaruri are starting the season on the back foot. The Italian outfit continue to take minimal components from Red Bull. The AT04, in the words of Team Principle Franz Tost, "lacks everything needed to go quickly. It lacks downforce, traction, is unstable through high speed corners and is unresponsive in slow speed corners".

Following a very impressive debut season, featuring a top five finish, Yuki Tsunoda has the full support of Honda and Red Bull. The Japanese silenced his critics who thought he was promoted too quickly from F2, by out performing the car and Pierre Gasly in the first half of last season.

The next Red Bull junior to make the step up to F1 is Liam Lawson. The New Zealander already has one race start to his name after debuting for Gasly as the French Grand Prix last season. A strong 4th in Formula 2 last year, ahead of Carlin team mate Logan Sargant convinced Helmut Marko Lawson was ready to compete for AlphaTauri full time. Lawson will also compete in Japan's Super Formula for Team Mugen, allowing Lawson to fully bed himself within Red Bull and Honda.

The red flag was out within 5 minutes of FP1 at Australia, as the AlphaTauri of Liam Lawson came out of the pits and parked it on apex of turn 1, right as the Red Bull of Tirowee commited to the corner. The resulting debris from the Brit shearing off his front right corner lead to the session being stopped. Red Bull driver advisor Dr Helmut Marko was seen having a long discussion with Franz Tost during the stoppage.

Tsunoda got AlphaTauri through to Q2 for the first time at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and he went on to secure 11th place in the race.

Tsunoda was on the pace for the team's first home race of the season, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. In full wet conditions, the Japanese got through to Q3 for the first time this season to line up 7th. His pace carried over into the race. There was a bit of a queue forming behind Gasly by lap 4, and Magnussen wasn't sticking around and made a move past the Alpine. Tsunoda'a pace was genuine this weekend and the Japanese was next to overtake Gasly. After the stops on lap 14-18, Tsunoda was still making the most of his excellent qualifying to hold down 7th making the most of the Mercedes and Sainz being down the order. Only Zhou would pass the AlphaTauri in the second stint. Tsunoda brought home 13 crucial points from the second Wildcard race of the season.

Lawson secured his first regular points finish in front of Red Bull top personnel at the Austrian Grand Prix with a 12th place finish, ahead of Tsunoda in 13th and 2017 Champion Vergne in 14th.

It was an extremely wet start to qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, but the sky was brightening up. Four big names were caught out in the transition from Wets to Inters at the end of Q1. The track was drying rapidly throughout Q2, but Inters was still the way to go. The track was just about dry enough at the end of Q3 for Softs, with last over the line having the best track conditions. Yuki Tsunoda ceased the initiative to secure his first ever pole position, ahead of the usual suspects Verstappen and Schumacher. It was the first pole for the team since Sebastian Vettel took pole for the Italian Grand Prix in 2008, wen the team was Toro Rosso. Changeable conditions returned for the race. Tsunoda had the pressure of leading the pack on Full Wets. The Japanese secured the lead into turn 1, as Verstappen held back Schumacher's offensive. All 20 drivers survived the opening lap without damage. The red flag was out on lap 5, as Carlos Sainz's day ended early, and Liam Lawson collected the Ferrari in the process. By the time the AlphaTauri and Ferrari had been cleared away, the sun was out and the track was dry.

17/18 remaining drivers were on Drys. Toyota made a catastrophic error and fitted the Brazilian's TRD123 with Inters. To add to the restart chaos, Zhou's Alfa Romeo experienced a clutch issue and the Chinese pulled off at turn 1. he Williams was in its element in the dry, and Albon powered into the lead at the end of lap 9. The skies began to darken once more by lap 18, but Williams still pitted Albon for a set of Mediums. Two laps later, the Heavens opened and it was time for Inters once more. In a desperate bid to regain lost track position, Albon and Norris attempted another lap on Drys, which would only drop the pair further behind.

Schumacher brought out a second red flag on lap 29, when the German had an identical crash to Sainz. It wasn't the impact the 2019 Champion needed to make with Tirowee down the order. It was a four lap sprint to the end on Full Wets. Tsunoda claimed his first podium finish with 3rd, following his strongest drive to date.

AlphaTauri debuted their major upgrade package at Singapore, as the Italian outfit comes in line further with Red Bull to move off the bottom of the Constructor's table. Both AlphaTauris made it into Q3, with Tsunoda 8th and Lawson 10th. The final Wildcard race of the season started dry, but rain was projected later on. Most drivers pit for Inters at the end of lap 5, whilst Lawson and Hamilton went on for another lap, looking to gain positions by avoiding the crowded pitlane. Neither driver would get the chance to make a stop as Albon crashed heavily and brought out the red flag. The rain only got heavier during the race stoppage. 17/19 drivers opted to restart on Full Wets, whilst Lawson and Hamilton gambled with the Inters. The McLarens swarmed Hamilton at the restart, whilst Lawson kept his composure to lead a lap for the first time in his career. This second gamble didn't pay off as the New Zealander pit at the end of lap 8 for Wets, along with Hamilton. Norris retook the lead from Schumacher and Tsunoda. Tsunoda secured his second third place finish in three races. Lawson's gamble left him only 17th.

## Racing Record (UniONE CAREER Results Only)

Results in **bold**, indicate Championships won.