Alfa Romeo Departure from Sauber: Alfa Romeo and Sauber worked together for six years, but the Italian Grand Prix was their last race. Alfa painted their automobile with the Italian flag to commemorate the event. The stunning new 33 Stradale was unveiled over the weekend. Alfa Romeo seeks to project a sporty image through Formula 1. This car exemplifies that.
But Alfa’s management and Stellantis, which owns Alfa, must shortly decide “What’s next?” Alfa’s Sauber collaboration is undoubtedly successful. Sergio Marchionne proposed the partnership, which began as Sauber title support in 2018. The arrangement expanded to full team ownership and chassis renaming by 2019.
Even though automotive corporations have funded Formula 1 teams before, Alfa’s purchase and car name were first. The contract was struck when Sauber was last in the manufacturers’ championship. Alfa Romeo saved money by doing this.
The collaboration offered the team money and appeal to recruit sponsors and drivers. Alfa Romeo reserved a place for a Ferrari apprentice. Charles Leclerc and Antonio Giovinazzi drove that seat.
Everything changed last year when Audi bought Sauber. Alfa could no longer collaborate with Sauber for the two years before Audi took over in 2026 since the partnership expired in 2023. Audi wasn’t inclined to invest in the Swiss company while a competitor benefited, even temporarily.
Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato, who joined Stellantis from Peugeot in 2021, could not save the Sauber deal. “It’s up to Sauber shareholders,” he stated. “We must respect and support their business decision.”
Imparato acknowledges the human side of the issue and the relationships built over time, even though he is not upset. However, he remains committed to Alfa Romeo’s electrification and business model.
Imparato knows Alfa Romeo’s Sauber investment paid well. He feels Sergio Marchionne’s business approach is good because it’s one of Formula 1’s most successful partnerships.
Marchionne brought Alfa Romeo back to Formula 1 without knowing how much the sport would expand, giving the Italian brand much notoriety.
Imparato credits fair investment, FIA, and Formula One Management efforts to improve the track display, a reduced cost structure, and strong financial management for this success.
Imparato aims to find a strong Sauber successor and maintain Alfa Romeo racing. He doesn’t rule out anything, but he emphasizes the need for a business strategy with a high ROI, given Alfa’s history.
WEC, which would require Ferrari’s cooperation, is an intriguing Formula 1 alternative. Alfa Romeo should join WEC now that Ferrari is.
Working with Peugeot in WEC provides avenues for Alfa Romeo and helps Stellantis maximize its racing talents. Imparato is cautious and believes any decision would be based on proven business models and long-term commitments.
The end shows that Imparato likes motorsports, especially Formula 1, but he says Alfa Romeo’s success is most important. He thinks Alfa Romeo’s quality, contributions to its history, and capacity to survive after he goes will determine his recall.
Our Reader’s Queries
Is Alfa Romeo leaving Sauber?
Alfa Romeo’s long-standing partnership with Sauber Motorsport is set to end at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend. The Italian car manufacturer has been in collaboration with Sauber for six years, but has now confirmed that this will be their final race together.
What will happen to Alfa Romeo in 2024?
The Sauber-run Formula 1 team has announced that they will be returning to their original team name for the 2024 season, which means that the Alfa Romeo name will no longer be used. This decision marks the end of an era for the team, but it also signals a new beginning as they look to the future with renewed focus and determination. Fans of the team can expect to see some exciting changes and developments in the coming years as they strive to achieve success on the track.
Who will replace Alfa Romeo in F1 2024?
Sauber Formula One team will undergo a rebranding in 2024, following the departure of title sponsor Alfa Romeo. The team will now be known as ‘Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber’, as per the official lists released by the FIA on Friday.
What is the new name for Alfa Romeo Sauber?
For the 2024 season, the team has decided to revive the Sauber name and will now be known as the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber. This decision comes after securing a sponsorship deal with the popular streaming platform, Kick.com. The team’s car will be named the Kick Sauber C44.
