In an event on the iconic Las Vegas Boulevard, the Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team has officially entered a new era as they revealed their 2024 contender, the VCARB01. This marks a significant rebranding for the team, formerly known as AlphaTauri, now under the dynamic leadership of CEO Peter Bayer and Team Principal Laurent Mekies.
Photo credit: Visa Cash App RB
The transformation from AlphaTauri to Visa Cash App RB signals not just a change in name but a vibrant shift in identity and ambition. Laurent Mekies, a seasoned figure in the F1 world with a background at Ferrari, takes the helm as Team Principal. His return to the Faenza-based team injects a fresh perspective, aiming to reignite the passion within the team.
On the track, the dynamic duo of Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda takes the reins. The unexpected mid-season switch in 2023, with Ricciardo replacing Nyck de Vries, demonstrated the team’s commitment to performance. Both Ricciardo and Tsunoda, re-signed for 2024, played a pivotal role in propelling the team to an eighth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship.
Visa Cash App RB has teased fans with the first images of Tsunoda and Ricciardo donned in their vibrant new overalls, few hours before the launch event started. The driver duo will sport all bright white overalls, similar to what we have seen this season with Williams Racing. Two vertical blue stripes and the logos of the sponsors are adding colour to them. Notably, the inclusion of sponsors like HUGO adds intrigue, debunking earlier speculations about a potential renaming.
Photo credit: Visa Cash App RB
The eagerly awaited car livery, revealed as the VCARB01, breaks away from the recent trend of minimalist designs. In a departure from the norm, the team opted for a more colorful approach, reminiscent of the lively Toro Rosso livery from 2017. This move has been welcomed by fans, as the grid sees a resurgence of vibrancy with VCARB01 amid a recent trend towards more subdued liveries.
The launch event itself, in Las Vegas, showcased not only the new car but also the star-studded lineup. CEO Peter Bayer, Team Principal Laurent Mekies, and drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda took center stage, embodying the energy and enthusiasm that defines Visa Cash App RB’s approach to the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Photo credit: Visa Cash App RB
The evening was not just about racing; it was a celebration of partnership and entertainment. Major names from the music industry, including Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem, added a touch of glamour to the event. Emirati driver Amna Al-Qubaisi, representing Visa Cash App RB in the F1 Academy Championship, joined the lineup, emphasizing the team’s commitment to diversity and talent development.
