Helmut Marko, an adviser to AlphaTauri team owner Red Bull, revealed earlier this week that, contrary to speculation, the Faenza team would not be sold and would instead expand its presence in the UK.

In an interview with Autosport sister site Formel1.de, Marko explained that the team’s Italian base will remain the main center of operations, but the status of the Bicester outpost, where its aerodynamic department is located, will increase.

The Austrian said: “The decision has been taken. AlphaTauri will remain fully owned by Red Bull and will continue to operate as a youth team.

“The cooperation with Red Bull Racing will be much closer, also in terms of cost ceilings and synergies.”

Rumors about the team’s future – with a possible buyout seen as an easier way for new entrants such as Andretti to break into F1 – have been fueled by ninth-placed AlphaTauri’s poor ground-effect era.

The security of its place in Red Bull’s stable has also been called into question following the death of company co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.

Red Bull’s new chief executive, Oliver Mintzlaff, is reportedly unhappy with the team’s performance and its failure to boost AlphaTauri’s brand awareness through F1’s popularity.

Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri AT04

Photography: Red Bull Content Pool

Tsunoda, who has been with the team since 2021, said “concerned” team staff could now focus purely on on-track performance as the pressure on the future eased.

Asked by Autosport for his reaction to the Marko news, Tsunoda said: “It’s a good thing for AlphaTauri, especially the engineers and mechanics.

“They can now fully focus on the game.

“Of course, most mechanics and engineers are a little worried about that. So, it’s definitely good.

“I think it’s the right decision for Red Bull because Toro Rosso has a long history.

“It’s a pity that you can cancel these things. It’s a little bit different, so that’s fine.

“And obviously (it’s good for me) — it’s at least one thing I don’t have to worry about.”

Red Bull has yet to decide whether it will continue to use the AlphaTauri moniker to promote its in-house clothing brand in F1, or if it will rebrand the team formerly known as Toro Rosso again.