Alfa Romeo returns to F1 through partnership with Sauber

Having been absent from the pinnacle of motorsport since 1985, Alfa Romeo now makes a comeback to Formula One with a “multi-year technical and commercial partnership” with Sauber. Considering that the Fiat-owned company is a sister company of Ferrari, this move further strengthens the relationship of the Swedish team to their engine supplier.

The new Alfa Romeo-Sauber F1 team is fielding Ferrari protégé Charles Leclerc and current Sauber driver Marcus Ericsson to lead the reinvigorated team's 2018 Formula One championship quest. Antonio Giovinazzi to serve as third driver for the team.

The line-up was announced at a special press event in Milan, Italy on Saturday, where the team revealed further details of their new title sponsorship deal with Alfa Romeo, including a revised red and white livery concept for next season’s car.

"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.” Said Sauber chairman Pascal Picci. "Working closely with a car manufacturer is a great opportunity for the Sauber Group to further develop its technology and engineering projects."

This move means this will be Alfa Romeo’s biggest involvement in Formula One since 1985, their final year involved as a factory team in the sport. Long before that, Alfa Romeo won the first two F1 titles in 1950 and 1951 with Giuseppe 'Nino' Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio.