Scuderia Toro Rosso STR14

FIA F1 Austria 2019 Nr. 26 Kvyat 1

Alexander Albon during Hungarian Formula 1 GP

Scuderia Toro Rosso STR14 is a Formula One racing car designed and constructed by Scuderia Toro Rosso for the 2019 Formula One World Championship. It was driven by Daniil Kvyat and Alexander Albon, the latter of whom was later replaced by Pierre Gasly midway through the season. The STR14 was a successor to the STR13 and was designed to comply with the 2019 Formula One regulations.

Development and Design

The STR14 was developed under the technical direction of James Key, although he left the team before the car's launch to join McLaren. The car featured several advancements over its predecessor, including improvements in aerodynamics, chassis design, and the integration of the Honda power unit, which was in its second year of partnership with Toro Rosso. The team aimed to build on the progress it had made in previous seasons, leveraging the closer technical partnership with its sister team, Red Bull Racing, which also switched to Honda engines in 2019.

Racing History

The STR14 made its competitive debut at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix. Throughout the season, the car showed competitive pace, especially in the hands of rookie driver Alexander Albon, who scored points in his second race at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Daniil Kvyat also delivered strong performances, including a remarkable podium finish at the German Grand Prix, which was Toro Rosso's first podium since the 2008 Italian Grand Prix.

The mid-season switch, which saw Pierre Gasly moving to Toro Rosso from Red Bull Racing and Albon going in the opposite direction, did not hinder the team's performance. Both Kvyat and Gasly contributed to the team's points tally, with Gasly securing a second podium for the team at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Technical Specifications

The STR14 was equipped with the Honda RA619H power unit, a 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged engine coupled with an Energy Recovery System (ERS). The car's transmission was a Toro Rosso-designed eight-speed gearbox with a hydraulic system for power shift and clutch operation. The chassis was a composite monocoque structure, designed to maximize strength and minimize weight, incorporating the Halo device for driver protection.

Season Summary

The 2019 season saw Scuderia Toro Rosso finishing 6th in the Constructors' Championship, tying its best-ever finish in the team's history. The STR14 was instrumental in this achievement, demonstrating the team's ability to compete in the midfield and challenge for points consistently. The car's performance, combined with the drivers' contributions, marked a successful year for Toro Rosso, laying a strong foundation for its future as it transitioned into Scuderia AlphaTauri in 2020.

Legacy

The STR14 is remembered for its role in securing two podium finishes in a single season, a feat not achieved by Toro Rosso since its inception. Its success helped solidify the partnership with Honda and set the stage for the team's rebranding to Scuderia AlphaTauri. The car's design and achievements during the 2019 season are seen as a pivotal moment in the team's history, showcasing its potential to compete at a higher level within Formula One.

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