Alfa Romeo’s branding of Sauber Motorsport is set to continue in Formula 1, according to Frederic Vasseur, with a new Ferrari deal imminent.
Sauber has competed in Formula 1 since 1993 – taking its greatest success during its ownership by BMW in the late 2000s – and for the majority of its existence has been powered by Ferrari.
Vasseur joined the squad mid-2017 and immediately annulled the team’s potential Honda tie-up to realign with Ferrari.
Sauber took on Alfa Romeo title sponsorship for 2018 and last season adopted the brand’s name for its Formula 1 team.
“We are discussing with Ferrari to extend the collaboration,” said Vasseur.
“We are quite close to signing the deal and with Alfa Romeo the same.”
Vasseur also suggested that a closer relationship with Ferrari in the future, under revised Formula 1 regulations, would be of benefit to the Switzerland-based team.
“The relationship with Ferrari is like it is and they are supplying parts, engine, gearbox and some other parts,” he said.
“The collaboration on this one is a good one but we are not sharing the same wind tunnel, for example, as some other teams are doing.
“For sure I think it will probably be an advantage in the future and to have a larger collaboration.”
