F1 2018: Alfa Romeo to partner with Sauber

After months of speculation surrounding Alfa Romeo’s Formula 1 return, it has been confirmed that the carmaker will be partnering with Sauber and Ferrari from the 2018 Formula 1 season. Sauber's 2018 specification Ferrari engines will carry Alfa badging, and the squad will be known as the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team.

The deal will include "strategic, commercial and technological cooperation" and "the exchange of engineering and technical know-how," said a statement by Sauber.

Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne had made clear in recent months that he was keen to bring the Alfa Romeo name back to F1 for the first time since 1985. "This agreement with the Sauber F1 team is a significant step in the reshaping of the Alfa Romeo brand, which will return to Formula 1 after an absence of more than 30 years," said Marchionne. "A storied marque that has helped make the history of this sport, Alfa Romeo will join other major automakers that participate in Formula 1. The brand itself will also benefit from the sharing of technology and strategic know-how with a partner of the Sauber F1 team's undisputed experience."

Sauber is expected to run Ferrari protégé and Formula 2 champion Charles Leclerc, next season. It is considering whether to continue with Marcus Ericsson in the second car or replace him with Antonio Giovinazzi – another Ferrari junior.

Sauber chairman Pascal Picci said Alfa was an ideal partner for his team. "Alfa Romeo has a long history of success in grand prix racing, and we are very proud that this internationally renowned company has chosen to work with us for its return to the pinnacle of motorsport," he said.

He goes on to say, "Working closely with a car manufacturer is a great opportunity for the Sauber Group to further develop its technology and engineering projects. We are confident that together we can bring the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team great success, and look forward to a long and successful partnership."

Alfa has not been involved in F1 since its works team project of 1979-85, and has not had a high-profile motorsport programme since its touring car efforts of the 1990s and early 2000s.