The Alfa Romeo name will remain in Formula 1 beyond the 2021 season after the Italian marque signed a new multiple year agreement with Sauber Motorsport.
The Alfa Romeo name returned to the sport back in 2018, first as a sponsor of the Sauber F1 Team, then as the new name for the outfit that currently fields Kimi Räikkönen alongside Antonio Giovinazzi.
The extension of the contract had been uncertain, but now the announcement has been made that they will stay united beyond this year and continue their work in moving up the grid – they finished eighth in the Constructors’ Championship in 2020 and currently hold the same position in 2021 after the opening nine rounds.
“We are delighted to be announcing the extension of this partnership,” said Frédéric Vasseur, the Team Principal of Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN. “Alfa Romeo have been an incredible companion over the last few years, and we are even more excited about the chapters that are yet to come.
“The new regulations are giving us the chance to make another step forward and I firmly believe we are perfectly placed to make big gains together. We are looking forward to our future together and to keeping moving towards the front of the grid.
“This relationship is also very important for our company as a whole, beyond the track: the work we have done in the automotive world has shown the extent of the technology and manufacturing skills of Sauber Engineering and we are confident we can continue working for Alfa Romeo on new and exciting projects that will shape the future of the car industry.”
Jean-Philippe Imparato, the CEO of Alfa Romeo, says racing has been part of the DNA of the Italian manufacturer, and it was important for them to continue their alliance with Sauber in Formula 1.
“As an historic Italian automotive brand, Alfa Romeo was born on the racetrack,” said Imparato. “Today we are proud to continue honoring that racing DNA by placing it at heart of the future of our Brand.
“We are driven by passion and excellence. Formula One represents a cutting-edge laboratory for the future electrification of our range, fully coherent with our vision for the coming years. Furthermore, Motorsport brings the incomparable global exposure we wish to leverage for a successful future.”
