AlphaTauri AT02

Pierre Gasly, Alpha Tauri F1 Team, British GP, Silverstone 2021 (51349301721)

AlphaTauri AT02 is a Formula One racing car designed and constructed by Scuderia AlphaTauri for the 2021 Formula One World Championship. It is a direct successor to the AlphaTauri AT01, marking the team's second car under the AlphaTauri name, following the rebranding from Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2020. The AT02 was officially unveiled on February 19, 2021, and made its competitive debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix in March 2021.

Design and Development

The AlphaTauri AT02 was developed to comply with the 2021 Formula One regulations, which saw minimal changes from the previous year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sport. The regulations aimed to reduce costs and maintain competitive balance among teams. As such, the AT02 is an evolution of its predecessor, focusing on aerodynamic refinements and improvements in its power unit.

The car is powered by a Honda RA621H 1.6L V6 turbocharged engine, coupled with a Honda energy recovery system. This collaboration with Honda continued to show the strengthening partnership between the engine manufacturer and AlphaTauri, aiming to build on the successes of the previous season.

Aerodynamically, the AT02 features several notable changes from the AT01, including a new floor design to comply with the revised 2021 regulations, which mandated a reduction in the floor's width to decrease downforce levels. The team also introduced updates to the car's front wing, bargeboards, and rear wing to optimize airflow and improve performance.

Racing History

The AlphaTauri AT02 made its racing debut at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix, with drivers Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda. The car showed competitive pace in the early races of the season, with Gasly and Tsunoda both scoring points in various Grands Prix. The AT02's performance highlighted AlphaTauri's continued growth and competitiveness within the midfield teams in Formula One.

Throughout the 2021 season, the AT02 received several updates and improvements, focusing on aerodynamic efficiency and power unit performance. These developments aimed to keep the team competitive in the constructors' championship and to capitalize on opportunities in a tightly contested midfield battle.

Legacy

The AlphaTauri AT02 is remembered for its role in continuing the development and success of the AlphaTauri team in Formula One. It built upon the foundation laid by the AT01, showcasing the team's ability to compete at a high level and score valuable championship points. The car also played a significant part in the careers of its drivers, providing them with a competitive platform to showcase their talents on the world stage.

As the last AlphaTauri car powered by Honda before the engine manufacturer's departure from Formula One at the end of 2021, the AT02 marks the end of an era for the team. Its legacy is carried forward by its successor, the AlphaTauri AT03, which continues the team's journey in the sport.