In a daring move ahead of the 2024 Formula 1 season, Alfa Romeo has decided to abandon their current car concept and start from scratch with a brand-new design. This decision comes as a response to the team's ongoing struggles, having accumulated only four points in the last 13 races, placing them 9th in the Constructors' Championship with a total of 16 points.
Despite promising performances in recent qualifying sessions, drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have been unable to finish in the points. Alfa Romeo's representative, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, acknowledged the limitations of their current C43 model, stating, "We simply lack performance during the races. We need to investigate and understand this, as it has been a recurring issue this season."
Bravi further explained the team's analysis and the need for technical solutions to address these challenges. "It's not about the car's balance, but the overall package that needs improvement. We lack grip, especially in high-speed corners. This has been one of our weak points this season."
This shift in direction coincides with Alfa Romeo's transition from their current title sponsor to Audi, expected to make its entrance in the 2026 season. The team's CEO, Andreas Seidl, has brought in James Key, a former colleague from McLaren, as the new technical director, aiming to turn Alfa Romeo's fortunes around.
"We are really excited to have James on board. Next year's car will not be a development of this year's car, because we believe there are some limitations in this concept that we cannot exploit further. We will have a completely new car, from chassis to suspension, everything, all areas," Bravi commented.
With Key's arrival and a growing team, Alfa Romeo is optimistic about the future. "We are working hard, and the group is growing. We have many new hires joining who will also contribute to next year's car. But the answer will be given to us all next year in Bahrain."
