Former Sauber F1 CEO Fred Vasseur says the team was “aware” of talks with Audi before Alfa Romeo announced plans to exit F1.
Sauber F1 Team will participate in F1 as Audi’s factory team from 2026 when the new power unit regulations will be enforced.
The Sauber F1 team, which has been competing for Alfa Romeo sponsorship since 2018, has agreed a full naming rights package from the 2019 season.
Alfa Romeo has decided to withdraw from team sponsorship. 2023 will be the last season of the partnership.
Frédéric Vasseur, who was recently announced as Ferrari’s F1 team principal, says “they (Alfa Romeo) knew” about the discussions with Audi.
“They then made the decision to stop at the end of 2023. It was their own decision and we respect it.”
“There are 24 and 25 years, but I’m not worried at all. You’ll soon find out why.”
Sauber’s new CEO has been McLaren’s acclaimed F1 team boss Andreas Seidl, replacing Frédéric Vasseur.
The F1 paddock is thrilled to see a new automaker join the grid, but Frédéric Vasseur admitted the name above the garage door had little effect on him.
“That’s not at all negative for Audi, but honestly I’m not excited about the x, y, z, but the racing,” said Frédéric Vasseur.
“I love being at the track to perform better than last year and do a good job.”
“Certainly the fact that a car manufacturer will come in and be a works team and run their engines is more motivation because it will give them more resources, but the approach will be exactly the same. Let’s go
Category: F1 / Sauber / audi / Alfa Romeo F1