In 2019, Alfa Romeo returned to F1 as part of a new partnership with Sauber that saw it take on the team’s name, as well as enjoy technical support as part of a contractual partnership.
However, although there has always been a long-term agreement between the two parties, it has been subject to annual reviews that usually take place during the summer months.
As reported by Reuters , Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato revealed that their deal for the 2023 season is progressing well, despite the team not offering any formal comment in response to the statement.
“I have signed the renewal for 2023 this morning,” Imparato said. “Every year, in July, we assess the situation. If in the future we realize that we are no longer interested in [F1] or we do not have returns on our investments, we will see what to do. Everything will be done in an organized way.
The agreement with Sauber has allowed Alfa Romeo to enjoy brand levels without the financial outlay faced by other manufacturers on the grid, operating with what Imparato called a “dual government” system, as confirmed in a recent interview with Motorsport.com.
“We have invented a new business model where there is a double government between us. Frederic [Vasseur] is leading the team from the beginning, and we have not been derailed, even if we have had some difficult moments.”
“As Alfa Romeo, I support them and I will do everything I can to support that development. We have to progress year after year, race after race, even if we have to fight harder than necessary in some cases.”
Alfa Romeo is enjoying improvements this season, recovering from three difficult years to now compete regularly for points in F1. The Swiss -based team sits sixth in the constructors’ championship, having already scored almost four times as many points as in all of last year.
Sauber has been linked with a possible purchase by Audi as part of its plans to join the grid, but Iparato was unconcerned about any interest in the team.
“Each year we will decide for the next one,” he said. “We don’t want to lock ourselves into a long-term commitment. So to be clear, any negotiations on the engine, any negotiations and anything in terms of partnership is run by Fred Vasseur and Sauber, in Sauber’s best interest.”
“Alfa Romeo’s best interest is to have the return on investment every year, and the progress in terms of performance every year. That’s it,” he concluded.
