Sauber change name ahead of 2019 F1 season

Sauber has changed its official team name to Alfa Romeo Racing for the 2019 Formula 1 season, ending almost 30 years of the famous moniker's presence on the F1 grid. The news follows a title sponsorship, and technical partnership, with the Italian brand in 2018.

Peter Sauber's eponymous team have been F1 ever-presents since 1993, having featured as BMW Sauber from 2006-2009, although the Swiss owner sold the team in 2016 and retired from motorsport.

A similar tie-up with Alfa Romeo last year helped a huge revival in the team's fortunes, as closer ties with Ferrari enabled them to take Charles Leclerc for his rookie year in F1.

Leclerc delivered some excellent performances, particularly as Sauber continued their development into the later part of the campaign, and was rewarded with a switch to Ferrari for 2019.

Kimi Raikkonen, ousted by the Scuderia has switched back to the team he made his F1 debut for in 2001, although he will do so for employers now with a different name.

New name, same game! ? We're excited to announce Sauber and Alfa Romeo to keep fighting for ambitious results in 2019 @F1 World Championship as Alfa Romeo Racing. ???? + info: https://t.co/1RUddkPMpj #AlfaRomeoRacing #SauberMotorsport #Bwoah pic.twitter.com/0gzgwgpl66 — Sauber F1 Team (@SauberF1Team) February 1, 2019

Team principal Fred Vasseur said: "It is a pleasure to announce that we will enter the 2019 Formula One World Championship with the Team name 'Alfa Romeo Racing'.

"After initiating the collaboration with our Title Sponsor Alfa Romeo in 2018, our team made fantastic progress on the technical, commercial, and sporting side. This has given a boost of motivation to each team member, be that track-side or at the headquarter in Switzerland, as the hard work invested has become reflected in our results. We aim to continue developing every sector of our team while allowing our passion for racing, technology and design to drive us forward."

Alfa Romeo previously competed in F1 as a constructor sporadically from 1950-1985, the likes of Mario Andretti, Andrea de Cesaris and Riccardo Patrese having driven for them.

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