Alfa Romeo has hit the track with its new C43 car, becoming the first Formula 1 team to publicly run with its 2023 challenger.
The Sauber-run outfit, which will cease to represent the Alfa Romeo brand from next year onwards and is already part-owned by Audi ahead of becoming its F1 spearhead in 2026, had already been the first to show off its proper 2023 car during this launch season.
The likes of Haas, Red Bull and Williams preceded it with livery reveals, but Alfa Romeo’s redesigned black-and-red colour scheme adorned what was clearly a genuine 2023 design – even if certain parts of it were still likely being kept from the public.
And the C43, wearing its race livery rather than camo colours like the team had opted for in many of the previous off-seasons, has now debuted on track at Spanish Grand Prix venue Barcelona.
Your first look at #F1 2023 on track. ♥️ #GetCloser pic.twitter.com/P3oMh0xtqk
— Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake (@alfaromeof1) February 10, 2023
Grand prix winner Valtteri Bottas, heading into his second season at Alfa Romeo, was behind the wheel.
It is highly likely that this marks the first instance of an F1 2023 car running in earnest, although it’s not outside the realm of possibility that one of Alfa Romeo’s rival F1 teams has already run in secret.
F1 teams are limited to two runs of up to 100km – usually referred to as ‘filming days’ – with their current machinery during the season.
Haas is due to conduct its shakedown at Silverstone on Saturday, with Williams doing likewise on Monday. Both runs will be the first chances to see the team’s 2023 car.
