Alfa Romeo Racing unveils striking new C41 charger!

©AlfaRomeoRacing

Alfa Romeo Racing revealed its 2021 contender in a classy world premiere presentation that took place in Warsaw, the home of title sponsor Orlen.

The Swiss outfit's new Ferrari-powered C41 is a development of last season's machine as teams have been forced to carry over their 2020 designs while also implementing a series of aero rule changes for this year.

Regarding the C41's striking cosmetics, Alfa has reversed its color scheme, opting for a white engine cover and red sidepods. But the most striking feature is the car's capped nose, a design change which Giovonazzi hinted at earlier this month and fro which the team spent part of its development tokens.

Alfa endured a difficult campaign last year that saw the Hinwil squad finish P8 in the Constructor's standings but with just 8 points scored by drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi.

The team therefore hopes its new car will allow it to take a step forward this season.

"The launch of a new car is always an emotional moment, the culmination of months of effort from everyone back at the factory and the start of a new adventure," said team boss Frédéric Vasseur.

"I think the philosophy upon which the team is based remains the same - we have to do a better job tomorrow than we are doing today. We finished last season in P8, so we have to target a better result in 2021.

"To do so, we have to keep improving in each department, trackside and back at HQ.

"Every team on the grid has very high expectations right now: all the teams expect to do a good job in the winter and to be in a good position for the first race, but soon it will be the time for everyone to show their cards."

Alfa Romeo technical director Jan Monchaux said:

"The C41 is the result of a very unusual situation in Formula One, in which the regulations have made us unable to develop an entire new car for this year.

"For this reason, our 2021 car shares a lot of common parts with the C39, with the exception of those which the regulations forced us to change – such as the floor – and the nosecone, in which we invested our two development tokens.

"This means we will know the car much better than usual when we get to testing, but it’s still going to be crucial to make the most of those three days to verify that reality matches our expectations and to get to know the new tyres.

"We are ready for the new season and we can’t wait to see our new car on track."

In addition to Raikkonen and Giovinazzi, Alfa Romeo will rely once again on Robert Kubica as its reserve driver for 2021.

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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.