Alfa Romeo Sauber unveiled its F1 2023 car/livery kick-starting its season in a special online launch.
Unlike the previous years, Alfa Romeo had their launch before giving us a one-off livery for a shakedown they undertake ahead of a new season. This time, they went straight with the 2023 F1 car and livery unveil in a special online launch event.
Alfa Romeo Sauber has had multiple changes in the current winter break with the departure of Frederic Vasseur to Ferrari and the Swiss team hiring Andreas Seidl as their new CEO, with Alessandro Alunni Bravi taking up the F1 team representative role.
The launch event in Zurich had live studio audience with the team members including drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu alongside reserve Theo Pourchaire. The driver race suits moved on from white and maroon to black and maroon combination.
This was reflected on the C43 livery too as the team moved onto a bit more maroon and carbon black combination leaving white out. There will be a shakedown later this week in Barcelona before the official F1 pre-season test in Bahrain.
“Bringing a car to life is a long process which touches every department of a racing team, therefore it’s a moment of great pride to see it unveiled today,” said Bravi. “We chose to do it in front of our fans, close to our home, because the launch of a new car is not only a moment to state your objectives for the season ahead: it’s also a time to give back to the people who have supported you, be it in the grandstands, in front of the TV or back at the factory, and express our gratitude for their passion and their belief in our project.
“Our new car is the results of months of work, but today is just the beginning of a journey: we need to keep working hard, with humility and dedication, to bring performance to the track. Everyone in the team is committed to this target and we are confident we will reap the rewards of our work.”
Technical chief Jan Monchaux stated: “I am very proud of what we have achieved over these last months, because creating a new car is always a massive effort from the team. This car is an evolution of last year’s, reflecting the new regulations and introducing major changes in the areas where we found improvements to be needed.
“I hope it’s going to be quicker than the successful car we had last year, that’s what matters most, and more reliable as well: we have put a lot of effort in this direction. Now, it’s time to get to the track and see how this car performs. I’m happy to get back to racing and I’m confident there will be much more to come from us soon.”
On the drivers side, Bottas noted: “The C43 is finally here, and I cannot wait to bring it out on track. I really like our new livery, I think it’s stunning, and a fine evolution from last year’s one. It’s been an interesting first season with the team, we made some pretty solid progress together, and now there’s only one direction to follow: up, higher, and better.
“There is obviously still work to do and things to improve, but I am confident we have it in ourselves to aim for even higher results this year. I cannot wait to go back to racing, I am fully charged and eager to get the new season started.”
Teammate Guanyu stated: “I am happy to finally see the C43 being unveiled after all the behind-the-scenes work that has been done in the past months; I think we are sporting a beautiful new design for 2023, and I am looking forward to driving the car in Barcelona in the next days, before properly getting the season started with winter testing in Bahrain.
“Last year, the team made me feel at home from the very start, welcoming me and giving me time to learn and improve. The expectation for this year is definitely higher, and I will carry all the experience from my rookie season into 2023. I’m excited for what’s coming, and I’m fully ready to attack.”
And finally reserve driver Pourchaire added: “First of all, I am thankful and honoured to be taking part in my first Formula One launch as a reserve driver for the team. It is great to see the efforts paying off, and I cannot wait to get started! I have seen the great amount of work that has been put into bringing the car from paper to reality, and I am happy for everyone back at the factory, I think they have done an amazing job.
“There is of course great expectation, and I am looking forward to seeing the C43 hitting the track in just a few days. I feel part of a great family and a great team, and I am determined to do my best and push the limits to achieve the best results possible.”
This is #F1 2023, @alfaromeof1 style. #GetCloser pic.twitter.com/N17W8UJfB0
— Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake (@alfaromeof1) February 7, 2023
Introducing the Alfa Romeo C43 ✨🤩#F1 @alfaromeof1 pic.twitter.com/fkxJDtLBsc
— Formula 1 (@F1) February 7, 2023
#F1 fans 🤝 @alfaromeof1 C43 #GetCloser pic.twitter.com/xqqFvNHYUV
— Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber (@stakef1team_ks) February 7, 2023
More to come
F1 2023 launches: