Daniel Ricciardo to benefit from upgraded AlpaTauri in Hungary

While the Red Bull sister team currently sits bottom of the Formula 1 constructors' standings, it is hoped the second part of their major upgrades package will help to bring them back some much needed pace at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, where eight-time race winner Daniel Ricciardo will take to the wheel for the first time this season.

The first part of the update was brought to Silverstone, with an emphasis on their grip through slow speed corners, an area they have been aiming to improve all season long. 

Four key parts were shown, including the floor - a vital component for modern day Formula 1 cars in relation to their downforce and aerodynamic capabilities. Its rear bodywork has been widened to help airflow, while the diffuser and the rear wing have also been altered in a hope to generate performance, F1.com reports.

Despite this, drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Nyck De Vries seemingly didn’t feel the full effects of the enhancements on track, with both cars failing to get out of Q1 before finishing 16th and 17th in Sunday’s race. It’s thought the high-speed, fast flowing nature of Silverstone may not have played into the new look AlphaTauri’s strengths, unlike the twisting turns of Budapest that should reveal its true pace.

Chief Race Engineer Jonathan Eddolls discussed the positive signs shown in the data at the British Grand Prix with F1.com, despite the disappointing end results on the timesheets: “Analysis showed that the update is actually working well.

“We made further changes to the car in FP2, but it’s fair to say we didn't hit the sweet spot with either car in terms of balance on the soft tyre short runs, lacking front-end, which is a lap time killer here.”

Technical Director Jody Eddington also broke down the team’s outlook: “The aero update we have introduced here appears to be broadly in line with expectations, but it has not been enough to move us forward in Silverstone. 

“The further planned aero update for Hungary will be an important step to start addressing this, to get back on track towards achieving our objectives.”

The addition of Ricciardo’s wealth of experience will be welcomed as they continue to develop the car, which is something they have perhaps missed thus far with rookie De Vries and the 23-year-old Tsunoda. 

In his first interview since being announced as an AlphaTauri driver last week, he said: “I appreciate the car’s going to have its limitations. I’m sure they’re probably just lacking some overall downforce and things like this, but I think if it’s a car that feels balanced – it might not have as much grip as the Red Bull I drove a few days ago – that’s something I can work with.

“I’m looking forward to also developing it and using my experience, and ultimately, I think, for Budapest, just go out and have fun, try and use more right foot than left and have a good time”.

Tsunoda also embraced the Australian's return in AlphaTauri’s latest Grand Prix preview, while commenting on the car’s potential in the Hungarian capital: “I’m looking forward to working with Daniel. I think I’ll benefit from having a very good, experienced driver as a teammate. I’m sure I can learn lots of things from him and I also expect he will be able to bring something to the team and move the car development forward.

“For this weekend, we have more upgrades for the race in Hungary, on top of those we brought to the last race. Budapest has completely different track characteristics compared to the past two races, and its slow-speed corners should suit our car better than the high-speed ones.”