Alfa Romeo became the first team to offer up some insight into the design of their 2023 car, the C43. With Haas, Red Bull and Williams electing to conduct livery launches, with minimal design clues, the Swiss team were the first to properly suggest how cars could be evolving for 2023. See the launch pictures here . But how has the Alfa Romeo evolved from its predecessor? RacingNews365's technical expert Paolo Filisetti takes us through the first images of the Alfa Romeo C43, and tells us what has been uncovered.
Sidepods inspired by world champions
The C43 represents a profound evolution of last year's car. They've made a decision to lean towards the concept of sloping sidepods at the rear, a Red Bull trademark, and incorporating several original innovations. The sidepods on last year's car were, by comparison, much simpler and followed a smoother profile towards the rear of the car.
Evolutions to their ground effect floor
In particular, there's a noticeable change to the side edge of the floor, which is now characterised by a series of 9 vortex-generating profiles, which have the function of creating a sort of pneumatic seal to increase the efficiency of the underlying Venturi channels. We've seen a gradual increase in the number of these 'fins' appearing on cars, as team strive to find the best solution to the underfloor aerodynamics.
A safer rollover hoop
The vertical blade roll hoop characteristic of the previous car has been maintained, but decidedly larger in size to support the increased loads in the static homologation tests. The regulations for higher-load rollover hoops were brought in following the scary opening lap crash for Guanyu Zhou at last year's British Grand Prix .
A redesigned engine cover
The development of the rear bodywork is very interesting. Much like the Red Bull, it is characterised by a large, rear heat vent, which directly feeds the rear beam wing. The engine cover of 2023 Alfa Romeo appears to be more tightly packaged than last year's car, which could point to a relocation of components.
Rear wing detailing
The latter, moreover, is characterised by a trailing edge with a wavy profile, to energise the flow downstream of the diffuser.
Continuation of last year's front wing
As for the front wing, it is the version introduced last year in Japan. A car, overall well finished that denotes a step in the maturation and understanding of its aerodynamic concepts.
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