Alfa Romeo extends its Sauber F1 deal into the 2021 season

While there has never been any serious doubt that the partnership will continue until 2021, it has not been officially confirmed.

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 Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi are widely expected to stay together for the third season in a row.

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The team from Hinwil, together with the engine supplier Ferrari and its Maranello customer Haas, has had a tough 2020 season.

It is currently eighth in the World Cup with just five points, after 57 points in the previous year.

Team boss Fred Vasseur suggested that the squad get back on their feet in 2021.

“Expanding our relationship with Alfa Romeo is a real declaration of intent on both sides,” said the Frenchman.

“In Sauber, Alfa Romeo has found a committed, performance-oriented partner whom they could entrust their brand to.

“We are honored to have the legacy and success of Alfa Romeo on our behalf.

“Both sides always wanted this relationship to bear fruit in the long term.

“We’ve laid some solid foundations over the past three seasons and we want to reap the rewards of that work in 2021 and beyond.”

Mike Manley, CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, emphasized that the Sauber connection has already returned to Alfa’s street cars.

“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.

“The partnership with Sauber also enables our customers to benefit from exclusive racing know-how, as in the case of the brand new Giulia GTA and GTAm, which bring in the technical input from Sauber Engineering, particularly with regard to advanced aerodynamics.”

The team is celebrating Alfa Romeo’s 110th anniversary with a special paint job at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend.

It was created by the design department of the Centro Stile and features the Italian flag on the engine cover and the end plate of the rear wing.

The car will also carry a “welcome back Imola” message.