Alfa Romeo have launched the C43 ahead of their final season in Formula 1 as the Italian manufacturer prepare to bow out of the sport at the end of 2023.
The car was revealed by Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu at the team’s Hinwil base in Switzerland, with new red and black colours on their 2023 challenger.
In 2022, Alfa Romeo finished sixth in the constructors’ championship as they held off a late surge from Aston Martin as they had their best season in F1 since returning to the sport as a technical and commercial partner in 2018.
“The C43 is finally here, and I cannot wait to bring it out on track,” said Bottas. “I really like our new livery, I think it’s stunning, and a fine evolution from last year’s one.
“It’s been an interesting first season with the team, we made some pretty solid progress together, and now there’s only one direction to follow: up, higher, and better.
“There is obviously still work to do and things to improve, but I am confident we have it in ourselves to aim for even higher results this year. I cannot wait to go back to racing, I am fully charged and eager to get the new season started.”
The C43 is an evolution from last year’s car with a redesigned rear suspension, gearbox casing and changes to the chassis among the key differences.
Technical director Jan Monchaux described the machine as his baby and says he is happy with the progress that has been made over the winter.
“I am very proud of what we have achieved over these last months, because creating a new car is always a massive effort from the team,” Monchaux added.
“This car is an evolution of last year’s, reflecting the new regulations and introducing major changes in the areas where we found improvements to be needed.
“I hope it’s going to be quicker than the successful car we had last year, that’s what matters most, and more reliable as well – we have put a lot of effort in this direction.
“Now, it’s time to get to the track and see how this car performs. I’m happy to get back to racing and I’m confident there will be much more to come from us soon.”
Alfa Romeo are set to complete a shakedown of the car in Barcelona before heading to Bahrain for F1 pre-season testing on February 23-25.
