Alfa Romeo C38 specs & info

88 KUBICA Robert (pol), Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN C38, action during Pirelli’s 18-inch tyres testing days from May 11 to 12, 2021 on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain - Photo Xavi Bonilla / DPPI

Alfa Romeo's F1 car for 2019

The Alfa Romeo C38 was the team's Formula 1 car for the 2019 season, designed and built by Alfa Romeo Racing (formerly Sauber F1 Team) in collaboration with Ferrari. Driven by Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi, the C38 made its debut at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix. This article will explore the technical aspects, specifications, and performance of this distinctive F1 contender.

Chassis and Aerodynamics

The Alfa Romeo C38 featured a monocoque chassis made of carbon-fiber composite with a honeycomb structure. This lightweight and rigid design provided the necessary strength and safety for the high-speed racing environment. The car's aerodynamics were refined through extensive wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to optimize downforce, drag, and stability.

Suspension

The C38 employed a double-wishbone suspension setup with push-rod activation on both the front and rear, allowing for precise handling and effective response to varying track conditions. The car's suspension was designed to work harmoniously with the aerodynamics package, ensuring optimal mechanical grip and tire performance.

Power Unit

The Alfa Romeo C38 was powered by a 1.6-liter V6 hybrid turbocharged engine supplied by Ferrari, the 064 power unit. This engine boasted exceptional power and reliability, with a maximum rev limit of 15,000 rpm. The hybrid system featured a Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic (MGU-K) and a Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H), which helped recover energy from braking and exhaust heat, converting it into additional power.

Transmission

The car was equipped with an 8-speed semi-automatic gearbox, also supplied by Ferrari. This seamless shift gearbox enabled rapid and smooth gear changes, minimizing power loss and improving overall performance. A limited-slip differential was integrated within the gearbox to provide optimal traction during cornering and acceleration.

Brakes and Tires

The Alfa Romeo C38 utilized a Brembo braking system, which featured ventilated carbon-fiber brake discs and multi-piston calipers. This advanced system ensured efficient heat dissipation and reliable stopping power during high-speed deceleration. The car ran on Pirelli tires, with various compounds available for different track conditions and strategies.

Performance

Throughout the 2019 season, the Alfa Romeo C38 proved to be a competitive mid-field contender. Kimi Räikkönen's experience and Antonio Giovinazzi's youthful enthusiasm combined to score points in several races. The team finished eighth in the Constructors' Championship, highlighting the car's solid performance and the potential for growth in subsequent seasons.

Conclusion

The Alfa Romeo C38 was a testament to the engineering prowess and collaboration between Alfa Romeo Racing and Ferrari. With its advanced aerodynamics, powerful hybrid power unit, and agile handling, the C38 demonstrated the potential for the team's future success in Formula 1.

✅ Check out more photos of the Alfa Romeo C38