F1: Alfa Romeo leaves Sauber after 2023 as Audi begins share purchase (Update)

According to Motorsport.com’s sister website Motorsport-Total.com, the first 25% of shares in Sauber from current owner, Finn Rausing, could be acquired as early as 2023.

A further acquisition of shares up to 75% is expected to take place in gradual tranches ahead of Audi’s entry in 2026, leaving Rausing with 25% control of the operation.

Still, running Ferrari engines in a team partially owned by Audi does not make a lot of sense from Ferraris perspective, or Audis.

This could get interesting, especially if the team does not already have a Ferrari engine supply deal signed through 2025.  And with Audi beginning to own the team over time, would Ferrari want Audi engineers anywhere near their engines in the back of the Audi owned car?

We would think not.

Alfa Romeo will end its Formula 1 partnership with Sauber from the end of next season, the Italian manufacturer announced on Friday.

The team will not get Audi engines until 2026.  So where does that leave Sauber for engines for 2024 and 2025?

Will Ferrari continue to supply the team, or say no?

Having only just reconfirmed an extension of its deal to be title sponsor of Sauber for 2023, with the tie-up having originally started in 2018, Alfa Romeo said it would part with the team at the end of next season.

“Alfa Romeo communicates that its partnership with Sauber Motorsport will end within the end of 2023,” said a statement.

“Alfa Romeo announced its return in F1 in 2017 with a long-term plan, and in July 2022 has announced the decision to continue its partnership with Sauber also for 2023, given the promising results of the first half of the season, both in terms of performances, marketing and positive collaboration with the team.

“Since the economic and industrial turnaround of the brand will be achieved in 2022, Alfa Romeo will now evaluate among the many opportunities on the table, and decide which will be the best one to sustain the long-term strategy and the positioning of the brand.”

“We are leaving a positive story in terms of a business. 2021 was profitable for Alfa Romeo for the first time in years, Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato told Autosport.

“So really, there is no stress. I’m absolutely not scared, frightened, or even I would say concerned by any of the discussions that I’ve heard are animating the paddock.

“I’m serene enough to focus on the business each and every day.”