Alfa Romeo returns to F1, teaming up with Sauber

Alfa Romeo has confirmed its involvement with the Sauber F1 team next year as title sponsor and technical partner.

The move, part of a multi-year deal, marks the first time in over 30 years that the brand is involved in F1, having been a team and engine manufacturer.

“The partnership, which includes a strategic, commercial and technological cooperation between Alfa Romeo and the Sauber F1 Team, will enable the exchange of engineering and technical know-how, and provide new opportunities for the two organisations within Formula One and beyond,” read a release on Sauber’s website.

“From 2018, the team will be known as the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team. The 2018 F1 car will bear the Alfa Romeo logo, and will be equipped with the 2018 Ferrari power units.”

The 2017 season saw Sauber use last year’s Ferrari engines, although the team had already announced in July that it would use 2018 engines next season. More concerning is the fact that

“The Alfa Romeo engineers and technicians, who have already demonstrated their capabilities with the newly-launched models, Giulia and Stelvio, will have the opportunity to make that experience available to the Sauber F1 team,” added Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne in the release.

Marchionne, of course, is also the chairman and CEO of Ferrari, being one of the bigwigs at the F1 team’s garage during Grand Prix weekends.

Featured image: Sauber F1 Facebook page