The previous season was nothing short of disappointing for the Alfa Romeo F1 Team. Finishing ninth in the world championship, the team failed to meet their targets and fell short of expectations. Valtteri Bottas, who secured two eighth places, and his teammate Zhou Guanyu, never managed to surpass ninth place. However, with the imminent entry of Audi in 2026, the Swiss outfit is undergoing a process of change, unveiling an interim fluorescent green and black identity. Bottas believes that these changes will pave the way for an improved performance in the upcoming season.
Lofty Objectives and High Expectations
As the team enters its third season together, Bottas emphasizes the need for lofty objectives and high expectations. Having won 10 Grand Prix with Mercedes, his personal expectations are set high. He acknowledges that they must make significant progress from the previous season, where targets were not met. Bottas expresses confidence in the changes happening within the team, stating that new resources in various departments, a fresh identity, and a different-looking car provide the necessary confidence for a different and hopefully successful path.
The new Alfa Romeo C44’s eye-catching color scheme represents the team’s approach for the future. Bottas believes that the new look embodies the excitement and changes in the team’s approach. He humorously mentions even his hair having a different color, symbolizing the team’s mindset moving forward. Change, in his opinion, can be a force for good. However, Bottas emphasizes that while looks are important, performance is ultimately the team’s primary concern. If the car is fast and the team performs well, everything else becomes secondary.
Zhou Guanyu, Bottas’ teammate, is equally optimistic about the upcoming season. Excitingly, he will be competing in his home race in China, which makes his enthusiasm even greater as the event returns to the calendar after a COVID-enforced absence. Zhou emphasizes the team’s significant efforts in the second half of the previous season to identify areas of improvement. With a clear plan in place, it is now time for them to bring everything together and hit the track. While expectations are high, Zhou recognizes that their true standing among rival teams will only become apparent once they start competing.
The Alfa Romeo F1 Team’s new identity and the changes happening within the team instill hope for a successful season. With lofty objectives, high expectations, and a fresh approach, both Bottas and Zhou believe they are on the right path. The team’s confidence stems from the new resources in different departments and the visually different car. However, they understand that performance is ultimately what matters. As they gear up to compete against their rivals, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team aims to make significant progress and achieve outstanding results on the track. The new season presents an opportunity for them to showcase their true potential and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in Formula 1.
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