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

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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.

Marchionne keeps the pressure on F1 - reiterates quit threat

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."

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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.