How new Alfa Romeo F1 car merges Red Bull and Ferrari’s ideas

Whilst it’s clear to see that the C43 harbours some influence from its predecessor, there’s also a plethora of new features to discuss too.

These are not only important in terms of this car but also set the table in terms of the direction we might see others take heading into 2023 too.

The headline features we need to focus on are the sidepods and floor edge.

The sidepods in particular seem to take inspiration from both Red Bull and Ferrari, with the inlet size and shape very similar to what we saw from the Scuderia in 2022.

Given its use of the Ferrari power unit, this might not seem unusual but, rather than appropriate the full bathtub style sidepod solution seen on the F1-75, Alfa Romeo has instead sought inspiration from Red Bull,

This not only comes in the form of the downwash ramp solution but also the shelf approach taken with the engine cover.

It’s a decision that not only revolves around aerodynamic gains though, with a trade-off made to accommodate a more efficient centreline cooling solution that the team couldn’t switch to during the course of last season.

The team has also paired these changes with alterations to its rear suspension and gearbox, which will not only bear fruit from a mechanical point of view but also work in harmony with the other aerodynamic design changes, especially noting the large undercut and tapering done to encourage the airflows passage into the coke bottle region.

You’ll also note that to supplement the smaller rear cooling outlet at the rear of the car, the team has installed cooling gills on both the upper surface of the sidepod and on the shelf section of the engine cover.

It’s likely we’re seeing the car in more of a maximum cooling configuration in these shots, as other teams that took this direction last season often didn’t have these gills open at all times, using interchangeable bodywork panels as a means to make those changes.

Alfa Romeo C43, detail

Photo by: Alfa Romeo

The beam wing has also been treated to a new geometry, as we find a wavy trailing edge of the upper flap, similar to the tubercle-like solution we saw McLaren use on its rear wing in 2014.

The floor’s edge is also a departure from what we saw last season, which is primarily a response to the change in regulation requiring a 15mm uplift.

Obviously, teams see these regulation changes as an opportunity, rather than bemoaning any advantages they may have lost as a…