A familiar name will disappear from the grid in the coming 2019 Formula 1 season, as Sauber F1 team has become Alfa Romeo Racing.
The Hinwil-based Swiss made their first F1 entry in 1993 when team boss Peter Sauber decided to switch from sports car racing, and has been a fixture ever since. As for Alfa Romeo, even though it hasn’t been a staple name in F1 in recent years, the Italian manufacturer claimed the inaugural F1 titles in 1950 and 1951. It returned as Sauber’s title sponsor in 2018 while last seen as a constructor in 1985.
The new name is paired with a brand new driver line-up, consisting of Ferrari veteran Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi, who will begin his first full Formula 1 season. Alfa Romeo Racing will unveil its car on 18 February.
“It is a pleasure to announce that we will enter the 2019 Formula One World Championship with the Team name Alfa Romeo Racing,” said Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal at Alfa Romeo Racing. “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 headquarter 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.”
