Jean-Philippe Imparato, Alfa Romeo CEO, is in “no hurry” to decide his team’s long-term future in Formula 1.
Last month, Alfa Romeo announced the conclusion of its collaboration with the Sauber team on the F1 grid. The latter is expected to ally itself with the Swiss outfit, Audi.
The Alfa announced an end to engagement with Sauber at the end of 2023, on the same day Audi confirmed its intention to enter F1 in 2026. Some observers claim it was a clumsy attempt to divert attention from Audi.
End of agreement with Sauber requires Alfa to engage with a team running on Ferrari engines. Its future in F1 beyond 2023 depends on it, which leaves Haas as the only option left. Unless, it enters with a new power unit supplier such as Andretti.
Alternately, the company can opt for other sporting categories such as WEC or Formula E.
Imparato on Alfa Romeo future
Alfa is expected to join other manufactures aligning itself with electric vehicles. It could inform any decision on its motor sport future.
“I’m totally open to everything,” Imparato told. “By the way, it’s a period that gives me the opportunity to study everything with no pressure. That’s what I have.
“And I would say, even if we have to take a decision before the end of this year, we have some weeks, months, to see how is the business, and as well to choose in a kind of serene atmosphere.
“So I’m not in a hurry. Everything is on the table, I would say. I would love to find the best compromise between motorsport DNA, and the EV transition that you see.
“What I’m trying to build is this consistency between my history and the necessary existential move that I have to do. And it’s not obvious I would say, between the DNA history, and the switch.”
He declined to comment on expected Sauber-Audi deal. Imparato made clear that announcement was to provide “clarity” on its involvement.
“The need for clarity seems to be very important. So, what I wanted to send as a message was super simple. One, I renew the contract with Sauber Engineering for 2023, for one reason – we are happy with them.
“Not only on the business side, because on the business side, I have probably the best return on investment of the paddock. But on the way we are working together. We are working on special editions.
“Second message, never forget that I have with Sauber Engineering an annual contract with yearly assessment. And I can exit each and every end of July of any year.”
