
F1 Livery Launches 2023 | Alpine unveils two liveries, Zidane as ambassador; Leclerc laps new Ferrari
The Hindu
As Mercedes retained its all-black design with the new W14 and Red Bull lapped their new RB19 at Silverstone, here’s a look at all the new Formula One cars for the 2023 season released by the teams
Renault-owned Alpine set out their goals for the Formula One season on February 16, 2023, with a new car, before unveiling French football great Zinedine Zidane as a surprise signing.
The World Cup winner and former Real Madrid coach were introduced at the launch of the new A523 car as a global ambassador for the brand and to help promote equal opportunities.
"I am very happy to be here today and happy to be part of the Alpine team," Zidane told the surprised audience in a former newspaper printing site in London's Docklands.
French driver Pierre Gasly, another new signing as team mate to established compatriot Esteban Ocon, races with the number 10 and had to admit he was only the best non-retired number 10 in the building.
"He's been one of my idols since I was a kid," he told reporters. "I started playing football at five and just wanted to wear number 10, his jersey every time I was going to practice and training.
"Just to see him as an ambassador today and go to spend some time backstage before the event, I just attacked him with millions of questions about his career."
Britain's double Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams was also appointed as a mentor to coach young drivers and raise awareness of diversity.