Alfa Romeo F1 team principal Frédéric Vasseur is focused on “doing the best for Alfa Romeo” through the F1 partnership, as the Sauber-owned team could be acquired by Audi in the future. said.
The Volkswagen Group has approved plans for the Porsche and Audi brands to join F1 from 2026. Porsche plans to acquire a 50% stake in the Red Bull F1 team, while Audi is most likely to buy the team from Sauber, which runs the Alfa Romeo F1 team.
Alfa Romeo returned to F1 in 2019 as part of a unique deal with Sauber. The F1 team, named after Alfa Romeo and designed for the Italian brand, is still run by Sauber. The partnership between the two has been renewed year after year.
Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato said last month he was “not blind” about his relationship with Audi, but he is relaxed about the future of their partnership.
Asked about Jean-Philippe Imparat’s comments, Frédéric Vasseur said he believed Alfa Romeo was “happy with the current situation”.
“They are not just sponsors, we are partners, we develop projects together. I am happy with the partnership with them.”
“Above all, the relationship between Alfa Romeo and Stellatis and the team relationship is very good.”
“I also think part of the good result today is because we’re all working together and they’re helping us find other partners as well. I’m really enjoying the partnership.”
The 2023 renewal of the Sauber-Alfa Romeo F1 partnership has been finalized, according to Jean-Philippe Impalato, but the team has yet to make an official announcement on its plans.
Audi has been linked with acquisitions of McLaren, Williams and Aston Martin, but Sauber’s name has been reported as the most likely possibility in recent months.
Frédéric Vasseur downplayed the need to think ahead to 2026, joking, “I have a hard time talking about 2023!”
“I think we need to clarify the engine situation first,” said Vasseur.
“Obviously they will talk to everyone in the paddock. They will do their job. As soon as they confirm their commitment to the engine, it will be time to discuss.”
“But the most important thing is that today we have a project with Alfa Romeo. I don’t want to mix everything. I want to give Alfa Romeo the best.”
Category: F1 / Alfa Romeo F1 / Sauber / audi