Alfa Romeo will exit from Formula 1 racing when the last round of the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship concludes in Abu Dhabi this weekend. To mark the ‘completion of the mission’ (as Alfa Romeo puts it), the C43 takes to the track with the number six emblazoned across the entire livery of the racing car, signifying the 6 seasons of association with Sauber.
Additionally, the wording “Alfa Romeo nei nostri cuori” (Alfa Romeo, always in our hearts) appears on the livery, a tribute from Sauber to the Alfa Romeo team.
“This F1 adventure represented an international showcase at the highest level, as well as a profound human and sporting experience that supported our products’ dynamics with a great return on investment, providing a powerful strategic worldwide marketing platform for Alfa Romeo. The benefits in terms of visibility serve as a benchmark for the entire Stellantis group. Alfa Romeo has competition in its DNA and will return to thrill its fans as soon as possible, when the conditions are right,” said Alfa Romeo CEO, Jean-Philippe Imparato.
Alfa Romeo, like Ferrari, has had a long association with motorsport and played a part in Formula 1 as both a manufacturer and an engine supplier. Way back when it made its debut in 1950 and 1951, Alfa Romeo won the first Drivers’ World Championship, with Nino Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio. From 1976 to 1979, Alfa Romeo participated as an engine supplier.
After returning in 1979 as a constructor, the carmaker finished sixth in the 1983 Constructors’ Championship, its best result. The company then withdrew its team from Formula 1 in 1985, and then returned 30 years later. Hopefully, it won’t be that long before an Alfa Romeo is on the F1 starting grid again.
As for Zhou Guan-Yu and Valtteri Bottas, they should still have drives as Sauber will continue the F1 team, just that it won’t have Alfa Romeo as its partner. Speculations that Audi may come in next year are denied and the German carmaker is confirmed for a 2026 debut, which will be with Sauber.
Find pre-owned Alfa Romeo cars at Motor Trader Malaysia