While there was never really any doubt that the partnership would continue through 2021, it had not been officially confirmed to date.
The two parties first partnered in 2018 when the Italian manufacturer was just a sponsor before taking on the team’s name under the Alfa Romeo Racing banner the following season.
There is no confirmation from the drivers for 2021, although it is widely expected that Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi will stay together for the third year in a row.
The Hinwil-based team, together with the engine supplier Ferrari and Maranello colleague Haas, has had a difficult 2020 season. It currently ranks eighth in the World Cup with just five points after scoring 57 points last year.
Team boss Fred Vasseur suggested that the team get back on their feet in 2021.
“Expanding our relationship with Alfa Romeo is a real declaration of intent from both parties,” said the Frenchman.
“In Sauber, Alfa Romeo has found a committed, performance-oriented partner whom they can entrust their brand to. We are honored to carry the legacy and success of Alfa Romeo on our behalf.
“Both parties always wanted this relationship to bear fruit in the long term. We have laid solid foundations over the past three seasons and aim to reap the rewards of that work in 2021 and beyond. “
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Mike Manley, CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, emphasized that the Sauber connection has already been fed into Alfa’s road vehicles.
“Racing and performance are at the core of Alfa Romeo’s DNA,” he said. “The brand was practically born on a racetrack and today we continue to compete at the most technologically advanced level in motorsport.
“Through the partnership with Sauber, our customers can also benefit from exclusive racing know-how, as is the case with the brand new Giulia GTA and GTAm, which take into account the technical input from Sauber Engineering, particularly with regard to advanced aerodynamics.”
The team celebrates the 110th anniversary of Alfa Romeo with a special paint job in the GP of Emilia Romagna. It was created by the design department of Centro Stile and it has the Italian flag on the engine cover and the end plate of the rear wing. The car will also have a “welcome back Imola” message on it.
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