Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato says the company is “in no hurry” to make a decision on its long-term future in Formula 1.
Alfa Romeo announced last month that it would end its sponsorship deal with the Sauber team at the end of the 2023 season, before the Swiss outfit is expected to merge with Audi.
Alfa’s announcement came on the same day that Audi confirmed its intention to enter Formula 1 in 2026. Alfa can only stay in Formula 1 beyond 2023 if it can come to an agreement with a team using Ferrari engines, so Haas is the only option at the moment.
Alfa Romeo wants to take its time when making a decision
The only other option would be to team up with a newcomer who agrees a power unit partnership with Ferrari, such as Andretti. Alternatively, the company could also look at other categories such as Formula E or the WEC.
Like other manufacturers, Alfa Romeo is also moving towards electric vehicles, which could influence a decision about the future of motorsport. “I’m open to anything,” Imparato told Motorsport.com. “By the way, it’s a time that gives me the opportunity to look at everything without pressure. That’s what I have.”
“And I would say even if we have to make a decision before the end of the year, we have a few weeks and months to see how business is going and also to decide in a calm atmosphere.”
Alfa Romeo satisfied with the Sauber partnership
“So I’m in no hurry. Everything is on the table I’d say. I’d like to find the best compromise between motorsport DNA and the EV shift that you see.”
“What I’m trying to do is find that correspondence between my story and the necessary existential step I need to take. And I would say it’s not obvious, between the DNA story and the switch.”
While declining to comment on Sauber’s expected deal with Audi, Imparato said the timing of announcing the 2023 contract was to provide “clarity” about the involvement.
Alfa Romeo CEO: “Have the best return on investment in the paddock”
“The need for clarity seems to be very important. So what I wanted to send as a message was very simple. Firstly, I am renewing the contract with Sauber Engineering for 2023 for one reason – we are happy with them.”
“Not just on the business side, because on the business side I probably have the best return on investment in the whole paddock. But also with the way we work together. We work on special editions, but we also have special events together with GTA owners and classic car owners. We’re happy to be together.”
“Second message: never forget that I have an annual contract with Sauber Engineering with annual evaluation. And I can always opt out at the end of July each year.”
“Third message: 2024 will be the first year that I will launch a 100 percent EV offering for Alfa Romeo. So since we can’t plan for three months, I need to plan for more than that.”
“So I said, folks, we need to start a new chapter in our history, a new chapter in our adventure, so more than a history with Sauber and with motorsport, and we should benefit from that context, to put it bluntly. And that was a sense of our communication.”
Alfa Romeo CEO: Formula 1 only with Ferrari engine!
When asked if a WEC project is a future option, Imparato emphasizes that anything is possible: “Nothing definite for 2024, absolutely nothing. Today I’m focusing on 2022 and 2023. In the coming months, I can say that we will be ready to open the reflections and studies for 2024, 25 and 26.”
“And I’ll come back to you the day I feel I have something that aligns with my DNA and with Alfa Romeo’s Italian sportiness. I have to be consistent – Italian sportiness, that’s it for me Signature of Alfa Romeo.”
He adds: “It is very clear, to make it clear once again, that if we are to remain in Formula 1, we will never race with any engine other than Ferrari.”