● New machines and liveries on show● Testing starts on 21 February
Alastair Crooks Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk@AllieCrooks
THE countdown to the start of this year’s Formula One World Championship is well under way – which is just as well, given that pre-season testing begins with a session at the Bahrain International Circuit next week, ahead of the first race there on 29 February.
Haas finished at the bottom of the Constructors’ championship table in 2023, but it was the first team to unveil its challenger for the 2024 season on 2 February. Williams was next, three days later in New York, and Kick Sauber introduced its car on the same day in London, complete with a new green-and-black livery to replace the red and white of the departed Alfa Romeo team.
Next up came Alpine, and Auto Express visited the team at its Oxfordshire base for the unveiling. While we were studying the French firm’s ‘A524’ car, Alpine’s Vice President Bruno Famin expressed cautious optimism that his outfit’s scope for development will help it as the season progresses.
“For 2024 we’re not going to start off by setting any targets in terms of positions, wins or podiums,” Famin told us. “We don’t know how we will start the season, to be honest, but we have a capacity and an ability to develop the car. That is where we will really see the results.”
He also predicted a tighter grid this year, potentially delivering more wheel-to-wheel action for spectators to enjoy. “With the stability of the regulations over the past two years, I think the field is going to be closer and we need to be better everywhere,” Famin said.
Aston Martin revealed its challenger earlier this week and will be hoping for the same quick start as last year. The team will also aim to maintain any early pace, after its performance dropped off in the second half of 2023.
Ferrari grabbed headlines last week by announcing that Lewis Hamilton would drive for Maranello in 2025, but the Italian team’s focus is back to this year with the unveiling of its latest racer on 13 February. The squad managed just one win in 2023, with Carlos Sainz Jr claiming victory in Singapore.
As for Mercedes and McLaren, they’re due to announce their cars this week (14 February). So Red Bull will have the
