Alfa Romeo Bids Farewell to Formula 1 After Final Race Weekend
Alfa Romeo, the iconic Italian brand, will be retiring from Formula 1 after this season. The team will make its final appearance at the championship finale in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Transitioning to Sauber Motorsport and Future Partnership with Audi
The Alfa Romeo branding is currently associated with cars run by Sauber Motorsport. However, starting in 2024 and 2025, Sauber Motorsport is expected to operate under its own branding before transitioning to a new partnership with F1 newcomer Audi in 2026.
Alfa Romeo had previously announced that its partnership with Sauber Motorsport would conclude after 2023.
A Fond Farewell to Formula 1
This marks the end of Alfa Romeo’s second stint in Formula 1. The Italian brand originally participated in the championship from 1950 to 1988, both as a manufacturer and an engine supplier. Notably, Alfa Romeo secured the first Drivers’ World Championship with Nino Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio.
The current drivers for Alfa Romeo are Zhou Guanyu and Valterri Bottas, who have confirmed their participation for the 2024 season.
Prior to their final race, Alfa Romeo expressed their gratitude to everyone who contributed to their Formula 1 journey. This includes the late Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne, who played a crucial role in the Alfa-Sauber partnership in 2018.
The team also extended their appreciation to past and present drivers such as Charles Leclerc, Antonio Giovinazzi, and Kimi Raikkonen. Additionally, they acknowledged the contributions of former team boss Fred Vasseur, who is now with Ferrari.
Reflecting on the F1 Adventure
Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato stated, “When you close such an important chapter in the history of a brand, it’s time to take stock. For Alfa Romeo, this F1 adventure represented an international showcase at the highest level, as well as a profound human and sporting experience.”
Imparato further added, “In my humble opinion, the return on investment from the work we have done here has been the most positive in my entire career. 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.”
Final Tribute at Abu Dhabi
To commemorate their six years of racing together, the Sauber-Alfa C43 car will feature a special livery at the Abu Dhabi race.