Alfa Romeo’s Partnership With Sauber F1 Comes To An End

After an exhilarating and fruitful six-year collaboration, the partnership between Alfa Romeo and Sauber Motorsport in Formula 1 (F1) has reached its conclusion. The climax of this memorable alliance will be witnessed at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the end of an era that rekindled Alfa Romeo’s presence in the highest echelons of motorsport after an absence of more than 30 years.

In 2018, Alfa Romeo made a resounding return to F1 in a strategic, commercial, and technological alliance with Sauber Motorsport. These six years have been filled with riveting moments on the track, underpinned by a shared vision that materialized thanks to the late Sergio Marchionne’s genuine desire for this partnership.

The C43, this past weekend, prominently displayed the number six across its livery, symbolizing the six years of collaboration with Sauber. A poignant tribute, “Alfa Romeo nei nostri cuori” (‘Alfa Romeo, always in our hearts’), graces the livery, a heartfelt homage from Sauber to the Alfa Romeo team.

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“At the end of those six seasons, it’s time to take stock,” stated Jean-Philippe Imparato, Alfa Romeo CEO. “For Alfa Romeo, this F1 adventure represented an international showcase at the highest level and a profound human and sporting experience that supported our products’ dynamics with a great return on investment, providing a powerful strategic worldwide marketing platform. The benefits in terms of visibility serve as a benchmark for the entire Stellantis group. Alfa Romeo has competition in its DNA and will return to thrill its fans as soon as possible when the conditions are right.”

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The partnership with Sauber Motorsport extended beyond race results, delving into technological innovation and sustainable strategies within F1. Sauber Technology’s expertise played a pivotal role in various Alfa Romeo projects, notably contributing to the development of the Giulia GTA and GTAm through collaborative efforts in carbon components and aerodynamics.

Alfa Romeo had investigated a potential partnership with Haas for 2024 and beyond. Still, that agreement never came to fruition, meaning the iconic Italian car manufacturer will be absent from the F1 grid next year. 

Alfa Romeo’s motorsport history is illustrious, marked by its dominance in pre-war Grand Prix seasons and noteworthy triumphs in F1 as a constructor and engine supplier. Although bidding farewell to this chapter, the legacy of Alfa Romeo’s racing heritage remains an integral part of its identity, igniting anticipation for future endeavors in motorsport.