Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner has outlined that Sauber’s rebranding as Alfa Romeo for the 2019 Formula 1 season does not change his operation’s standing with long-term partner Ferrari.
Haas has used Ferrari engines and gearboxes since debuting in Formula 1 in 2016, and also outsources other components to the manufacturer, as permitted under technical regulations.
Ferrari is a sister company of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles organisation which owns Alfa Romeo; the brand returned to Formula 1 in 2018 as Sauber’s title sponsor.
For 2019 Sauber’s Formula 1 team has been rebranded as Alfa Romeo Racing, with the name of the chassis having also been renamed in favour of the Italian company.
Steiner has stressed that Sauber’s switch to the Alfa Romeo name, and perceived greater alignment with Ferrari, does not alter Haas’ position with the manufacturer.
“We’ve got a very solid relationship with them, technically, humanly, financially,” said Steiner of Ferrari.
“We worked together now for three seasons, but it’s more than three seasons because we worked before with them for years, four or five years almost, so we are very solid with them.
“They respect us, we respect them. We collaborate very well.
“What they do with Sauber – or with Alfa Romeo, sorry! – is none of my business, and they know that I respect that fully, I don’t interfere.
“As long as we get what they promised and what they give us, and they do, I’m happy.
“What they do otherwise, so be it. I’m not critical or anything, and I don’t really care actually what they [Ferrari] do with them [Alfa Romeo], as long as we do what we always do, and we do. So I’m happy.”
Haas finished fifth in last year’s Constructors’ Championship, three spots ahead of Sauber, and on Thursday unveiled its VF-19, having taken on title sponsorship for the first time in the form of Rich Energy.
