F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Horner - Alfa Romeo involvement proves Ferrari's commitment to F1

Red Bull Racing's Christian Horner believes Alfa Romeo's partnership with Sauber only dispels the prospect of Ferrari turning its back on Formula 1.

Alfa Romeo, a sister brand under the same Fiat-Chrysler management as Ferrari, was announced on Saturday, announced on Saturday a three-year commercial partnership with Sauber.

At the official presentation in Arese, Italy, Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne took the opportunity to reiterate his threat to quit Formula 1 if the sport moved in a direction counter to the Italian manufacturer's interests.

If Horner had doubts about Marchionne's threat before, they were further increased by Ferrari's latest deal with its Swiss partner, under the Alfa Romeo guise, which only consolidates its commitment to F1.

"[Alfa Romeo] come under the same management as Sergio, so I can’t believe he’d have brought Alfa Romeo in for Ferrari to be leaving in a couple of years," Horner told Reuters.

"I think it demonstrates that Formula 1 is obviously working and creating the recognition. Otherwise the group wouldn’t have brought the Alfa brand into Formula 1.

Regardless of Marchionne's warnings, Horner underscored the need for F1 to keep Ferrari in the sport, and vice versa.

"Formula 1 needs Ferrari and Ferrari needs Formula 1. It’s a marriage of convenience in many respects but both entities ultimately need each other," he added.

"And we certainly want Ferrari in Formula 1. It’s one of the biggest brands in the world and they are a great team to compete against."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Hamilton delighted with ‘consistently strong day’ in Vegas

Lewis Hamilton was particularly happy with his opening day of running at the Las Vegas…

20 mins ago

Verstappen stuck with 'draggy' rear wing for Vegas

Red Bull fears that its prospects for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix - which…

1 hour ago

Ferrari and Mercedes admit to plank changes based on FIA’s TD

Ferrari and Mercedes have both modified their car’s floor element in Las Vegas to comply…

2 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Hamilton continues on top in second practice

Lewis Hamilton put Mercedes on top of the timesheets for the second time in Las…

3 hours ago

2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Free Practice 2 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 2 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas,…

3 hours ago

Leclerc confident Ferrari ‘has a shot’ at F1 Constructors’ title

Charles Leclerc believes that Ferrari has a genuine “shot” at beating rival McLaren to Formula…

4 hours ago