Alfa Romeo returns to F1

Alfa Romeo’s last race in Formula 1 as a constructor was the Australia F1 GP in 1985. And the storied Italian marque will return to the world’s most prestigious racing formula in Australia in 2018.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) boss Sergio Marchionne announced the return of the brand to F1 earlier today. In what’s described as “a multi-year technical and commercial partnership agreement”, the brand will return to the grid with the Swiss-based Sauber F1 Team next season.

The team will be officially called Alfa Romeo Sauber F Team, but no driver details have been confirmed. Personnel and other details are expected to be announced at a launch in Dubai this coming weekend.

The Saubers will wear traditional Alfa livery and “will be equipped with 2018 Ferrari power units”, FCA’s media statement said.

“The scope of the agreement includes strategic, commercial and technological cooperation in all applicable areas of development, including access to engineering know-how and the expertise of Alfa Romeo technical staff. This partnership will provide additional opportunities for the two organizations in both Formula 1 and the automotive sector in general,” it stated.

In announcing the agreement Marchionne stated: “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.

“The Alfa Romeo engineers and technicians… will have the opportunity to make that experience available to the Sauber F1 Team. At the same time, Alfa Romeo fans will once again have the opportunity to support an automaker that is determined to begin writing an exciting new chapter in its unique, legendary sporting history,” he stated.

Alfa Romeo’s world championship heritage is almost unrivalled. It participated in Formula 1 from 1950 to 1988, latterly as an engine supplier.

It won the first two drivers’ world championships, in 1950 and 1951, with drivers Nino Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio.