AlphaTauri unveils its 2021 charger - the AT02

©AlphaTauri

Scuderia AlphaTauri pulled the covers off its 2021 car - the AT02 - that will be raced this season by Pierre Gasly and F1 rookie Yuki Tsunoda.

AlphaTauri's Honda-powered charger will feature an all-new matte blue and white livery that was unveiled in Salzburg at the new showroom of Red Bull's premium fashion brand.

The Faenza-based squad enjoyed a banner year in 2020 thanks to Gasly's shock win at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, a triumph achieved 12 years after the team's maiden F1 victory with Sebastian Vettel at Monza in 2008.

©AlphaTauri

This year, AlphaTauri has opted to pair Gasly with highly rated Tsunoda who will become the first Japanese driver to race in F1 since Kamui Kobayashi in 2014.

Tsunoda's promotion to F1 comes off the back of a consistent rise through the junior ranks and a third-place finish in the 2020 FIA Formula 2 Championship

"The decision to go for Pierre and Yuki in 2021 was taken because Scuderia AlphaTauri’s philosophy is still to give talented young drivers from the Red Bull Junior Program the opportunity to step up to F1 and to educate them – this is why Yuki now gets his chance," explained Team Principal, Franz Tost.

"With Pierre on Yuki’s side we have an experienced driver, who can help our Japanese rookie to develop faster, but at the same time we can aim for good results.

"I think this pair is the best possible scenario to achieve both our targets, and I’m also confident this will be a successful one."

©AlphaTauri

Despite Tsunoda's rookie status, Gasly believes his 20-year-old team will contribute to AlphaTauri's progress in 2021.

"I’m ready to take on the role of team leader," said the Frenchman who has fully recovered from a bout of COVID-19 over the winter.

"Yuki is a very quick driver, and he will help us move the team forward – we will work together to achieve that.

"I really believe last year was the team’s best in terms of the way it worked, the development, the performance and the way it managed the race weekends.

"I’m always hungry for more, and I’m sure we can achieve great things in 2021."

Read also: Tost predicts 2021's AlphaTauri will be faster car

Tsunoda has been fully focused on his preparations for his maiden season of Grand Prix racing.

"I’ve been lucky enough to spend some time with Scuderia AlphaTauri ahead of the season, so I’m already developing strong relationships and learning a lot from them – including Pierre, who is an incredible talent," he said.

"My main goal is to learn quickly and deliver results as soon as possible, and I’m really excited to get started."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.