Harman believes Alpine has a good appreciation of what made Red Bull’s car so competitive in 2023 and also understands what made other cars fast.
However, he insists that such knowledge should only provide inspiration for the team’s own direction, as it has to make a big step after finishing only sixth in the constructors' championship.
"We think we've understood it quite well,” he said of the RB19.
"We think we understand what they're doing. You can't click your fingers and just imagine it overnight. We understand our direction. But I think we've also understood some of the other cars on the grid as well.
"There are some other great cars there as well that have got some really interesting developments. And it's about trying to understand what you're doing, what they're doing.
"In the end, if we just follow those people, we will never be in front of them. I think it's a real mantra for us that we need to be inspired by these people, but we need to follow our own way."
All teams face an extra challenge heading into this season as they have to create cars that will also form the basis of their 2025 challengers.
That’s because the all-new rules for 2026 will become the focus of development and soak up financial and aerodynamic testing resources.
Teams cannot start aero testing for 2026 until the start of next year, but there are no limits on mechanical work.
"I think the important thing is to look beyond the cars you see around you," said Harman. "If we turn up with a car that people see now, by the time we get to 2025, it's going to be very out of date.
Source: Autosport