Yuki Tsunoda, Alpha Tauri’s Formula 1 Japenese driver, claims that the team members were earlier concerned regarding their future. However, with announcement of non-sale from Red Bull has revived the “focus” of team back to the season.
Earlier, Hemut Mark, Red Bull technical advisor, revealed the plans to expand its presence in UK. This rejected the speculation of potential Faenza team sale. It helped the team to focus back on the track.
Marko explained the position of the brand on the matter in an interview with Formel1.de website. He insisted that the operations will remain un-interrupted at the Italian base. However, its aerodynamics department will likely grow at the Bicester office.
The Austrian said: “The decision has been made. AlphaTauri will remain fully owned by Red Bull and will continue to be run as a junior team.
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“The cooperation with Red Bull Racing will be closer, also in terms of cost cap and synergies.”
The speculations spread because of declining performance of the team to the ninth place. The interest of a new entrant, like Andretti, to F1 likely fueled the speculations of a possible buyout of AlphaTauri.
Earlier with the death of company co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz questioned continuation of AlphatTauri ownership under Red Bull.
Reportedly, Oliver Mintzlaff, new Red Bull CEO, expressed his displeasure with the team’s performance. He also showed his concerned regarding failure to increase the brand’s popularity.
Tsunoda on Alpha Tauri future
Tsunoda, who joined the squad in 2021, said that “concerned” team will likely shift its focus purely on track. He commented as Red Bull announced to keep the team on-board under its umbrella.
Tsunoda commented on Marko remarks: “It’s good for AlphaTauri, especially the engineers and mechanics.
“They now can focus completely on the racing. Definitely, most of the mechanics and engineers were a little bit concerned about it. So, it’s good definitely.
“I think it’s the right decision for Red Bull because, with Toro Rosso, they have history.
“It’s sad that you can just cancel those things. It’s a little bit different so it’s good.
“And obviously [it’s good] for me – it’s at least one thing I don’t have to be concerned about.”
