Alfa Romeo has confirmed its withdrawal from Formula 1 as its branding deal with Sauber comes to an end after this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Italian marque began sponsoring Sauber’s F1 team in 2018 and the following year took the naming rights to the Swiss outfit.
However as Sauber is pursuing a new tie-up with Audi, which will see the German manufacturer produce its own power unit for new technical regulations due to arrive in 2026, Alfa Romeo’s collaboration with the team will come to an end.
During its latest spell in F1 Alfa Romeo and Sauber peaked with sixth in the world championship last year. Their final season has been less successful, however, and they go into this weekend’s finale just four points ahead of last-placed Haas in the constructors’ standings.
Nonetheless Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato said their time with Sauber has been “an international showcase at the highest level, as well as a profound human and sporting experience.”
“In my humble opinion, the return on investment from the work we have done here has been the most positive in my entire career,” Imparato added. “The benefits in terms of visibility serve as a benchmark for the entire Stellantis group.”
Alfa Romeo previously competed twice in F1 as a constructor. It took Giuseppe Farina to the first drivers’ world championship in 1950, followed by Juan Manuel Fangio the year after, then withdrew. It returned in the seventies and continued to compete until 1985.
Imparato indicated the brand has not ruled out returning to F1 in the future. “Alfa Romeo has competition in its DNA and will return to thrill its fans as soon as possible, when the conditions are right.”
For this weekend’s race Alfa Romeo’s car’s will carry number ‘six’ logos on its livery to reflect its time spent with Sauber. The C43s will also bear the slogan “Alfa Romeo nei nostri cuori”, Italian for “Alfa Romeo always in our hearts”.
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2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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