By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief
The Sauber Formula 1 team has officially been renamed Alfa Romeo Racing ahead of the 2019 season.
The announcement comes after the Italian company elected to extend the terms of their title sponsorship deal with the team. Alfa Romeo initially signed a technical and commercial partnership with Sauber ahead of the 2018 campaign.
Sauber, who have competed in the sport since 1993, will not undergo any change in ownership or management despite the rebranding.
The team’s driver lineup for the upcoming season will feature Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi.
“It is a pleasure to announce that we will enter the 2019 Formula One World Championship with the Team name Alfa Romeo Racing,” said team principal Frédéric Vasseur.
“After initiating the collaboration with our Title Sponsor Alfa Romeo in 2018, our team made fantastic progress on the technical, commercial and sporting side. This has given a boost of motivation to each team member, be that track-side or at the headquarters in Switzerland, as the hard work invested has become reflected in our results. We aim to continue developing every sector of our team while allowing our passion for racing, technology and design to drive us forward.”
Michael Manley, CEO Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group, added: “Alfa Romeo Racing is a new name with a long history in Formula One. We’re proud to collaborate with Sauber in bringing Alfa Romeo’s tradition of technical excellence and Italian panache to the pinnacle of motorsport.
“Make no mistake: with Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi on one side of the pit wall and Alfa Romeo and Sauber expertise on the other, we are here to compete.”
