Alfa Romeo reveals 2022 car will not have Ferrari gearbox and suspension as it sets launch date
The car will not include Ferrari’s gearbox or rear suspension.
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Alfa Romeo makes changes to its name for 2022
Alfa Romeo announced that it will be changing its name and logo ahead of the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship.
Vasseur explains why Alfa Romeo Prefered Zhou over Pouchaire
Some speculated that Callum Ilott or Theo Pourchaire would be the candidates for the F1 seatSome speculated that Callum Ilott or Theo Pourchaire would be the candidates for the F1 seat but Alfa Romeo announced Guanyu Zhou.
Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou make their debut with Alfa Romeo in Abu Dhabi Post Season Test
After completing the 2021 Formula Season with Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas was back on the track with his new team Alfa Romeo. This comes after Alfa Romeo announced their all new 2022 driver line-up back in November. Partnering Bottas for the 18 inch Pirelli tyre Post Season Test was Guanyu Zhou who made a debut in Formula 1 after racing for Uni Virtuosi in Formula 2. Zhou was the runner up in Formula 2 Championship after Oscar Piastri claimed the F2 title. The two Alfa Romeo drivers set out to the track at Yas Marina with Bottas sporting 18 inch Pirelli tyres which are set for 2022. Zhou on the other hand, got to experience the Alfa Romeo 2021 car after getting acquainted with the Swiss team. However, Bottas was running on a mule car which Zhou will switch to on Wednesday for Pirelli tyre test.
Alfa Romeo boss admits Zhou’s financial background was key to his signing
Alfa Romeo boss Frederic Vasseur admits the financial backing Guanyu Zhou will bring to the team was “a pillar” of his decision to give him a drive next year, but insists “not the only one”. Zhou has been recruited to run alongside Valtteri Bottas at Alfa next season and will bring a significant level of funding to the team – coupled with the potential marketing opportunities for the sport which will present themselves through having its first ever full-time Chinese driver. But despite those factors, the team principal insists Zhou’s driving was still a big factor in his appointment to the seat. “The first criteria is the performance of the team,” Vasseur told reporters in Qatar. “It means that to be performant you need to have good drivers, good technicians, good engineers, a good feeling from the drivers and a good budget. “It was a pillar of the decision, for sure. I was always clear like this because we want to get the cost cap. It’s the best way for us to be performant. “But it’s not the only one. I think Zhou is doing a very good job in F2 and I think everyone underestimates the level of performance and the job done by Zhou this season.” Vasseur also reiterated Zhou has been released by the Alpine junior ranks to be able to drive for Alfa, with having a “free hand” being a significant part of his decision to opt for Zhou over Oscar Piastri. The two drivers are locked in a battle at the top of the Formula 2 standings heading into their final rounds of the season and Vasseur feels Zhou’s drive and “determination” have proven he was “the right choice” to drive for the team next year. “The performance is speaking for itself,” he said. “He’s a front-runner, he won this season at Bahrain and Silverstone. In F2 they are probably the two most demanding tracks – Bahrain for tyre management and Silverstone [for] its high-speed corners. “But he did some pole positions, he’s always there, consistent and I’m sure he will do well next year. “And also I would say the determination, because he moved from China to Europe and we know perfectly that when you move from Europe even to Japan, it’s not an easy move for a driver and Zhou did the opposite. “When you are 13 and you move to Europe just because you want to become a racing driver, for me it’s a mega, huge commitment. “I’m convinced he will put all of his energy into the project and I’m convinced he will do well.”
Alfa Romeo boss disappointed with Giovinazzi’s comments after F1 exit announcement
Alfa Romeo boss Frederic Vasseur says he wasn’t pleased with Antonio Giovinazzi’s behaviour. This comes after Alfa Romeo made an announcement earlier this week to replace Giovinazzi with Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou for 2022. The Italian driver expressed his disappointment with the Swiss-based team for not retaining him for the 2022 season. Instead, they opted for Zhou, a driver who is reportedly getting a huge cash injection into the team. Antonio took to Twitter to reveal his emotions, and how brutal the world of Formula One can be. “F1 is emotion, talent, cars, risk, speed. But when money rules it can be ruthless. I believe in the surprise of an unexpected result, of big or small victories achieved thanks to one’s commitment. If this was my first picture on a F1, the last still has to be taken,” read his statement on Twitter. The statement and remarks about Guanyu Zhou’s recruitment didn’t go well with Frederic Vasseur. There was a lot of speculation about who will get the second seat at the Swiss-based team. Now it is confirmed that Zhou will be behind the wheel next year. While Antonio will part ways with the team. Additionally, the comments made by the Italian driver didn’t suit Vasseur and stated he was disappointed with Antonio’s behavior. “Well, honestly, I think it’s important for him to close the chapter, at least on this season, doing well on track,” said Vasseur in an interview with Will Buxton. “I saw the comments. Honestly, I’m not a big fan of this kind of attitude: also because the team gave him the chance to do three seasons in F1, and Alfa Romeo gave him the chance to do three seasons in F1. Tons of drivers would have dreamed to do it.” “Now he will have other challenges. He will have to do well in that other challenge, and perhaps he will come back in F1 in the future. But it’s a small world and we have to stay professional,” he concluded.
Giovinazzi to race for Dragon Penske Formula E team in 2022 after F1 exit
Antonio Giovinazzi has confirmed that he’s already secured a race seat for 2022, having lost his Alfa Romeo drive for next season. Giovinazzi has been replaced by Guanyu Zhou at Alfa Romeo for next year and, with all the seats on the grid now filled, was left on the F1 sidelines. But Giovinazzi has confirmed that he will still be racing in 2022, as he’s secured a seat with the Dragon Penske Autosport Formula E team. “It’s going to be thrilling. It’s going to be challenging It’s going to be …….electrifying!!!!!!” read a short tweet from Giovinazzi’s Twitter account, showing the current Alfa Romeo driver bedecked in the overalls of his new team. He’ll team up with Sergio Sette Camara at the outfit, with the 2021/22 Formula E season set to get underway in Saudi Arabia on 28 January.
Giovinazzi claims F1 is ‘ruthless’ when ‘money rules’ following Alfa Romeo exit
Antonio Giovinazzi has claimed F1 can be “ruthless” when “money rules” after being dropped by Alfa Romeo for 2022. The Italian will be replaced by F2 contender Guanyu Zhou, who will become the first Chinese driver in the sport’s history and is believed to be heavily backed financially. The move brings an end to Giovinazzi’s association with Alfa Romeo and Sauber which began in 2017 when he stood in for Pascal Wehrlein at the start of the season before becoming a full-time driver in 2019. In a social media post after his departure was announced, Giovinazzi said: “F1 is emotion, talent, cars, risk, speed. But when money rules it can be ruthless. “I believe in the surprise of an unexpected result, of big or small victories achieved thanks to one’s commitment.” In a separate post, Giovinazzi added: “Unfortunately, we often struggle to find the right words to show our gratitude towards someone. “But I think there’s nothing more beautiful than being able to say thank you. “Thank you for everything and those team members who have supported me through all these wonderful years. “The biggest thank you is to my fans, who have always been close to me and made me feel their affection in every occasion.” Zhou’s announcement completes the grid for F1 2022, with Giovinazzi moving to Dragon Racing in Formula E. The Chinese driver will partner Valtteri Bottas next season, who makes the move from Mercedes.
Guanyu Zhou to replace Antonio Giovinazzi at Alfa Romeo for 2022
Guanyu Zhou will be the first Chinese driver to race in Formula 1 after signing with the Alfa Romeo Racing team to compete in 2022. The 22-year-old from Shanghai will replace Antonio Giovinazzi at the Sauber-run team and race alongside the experienced Valtteri Bottas, who will join from Mercedes-AMG. Zhou currently lies second in the standings in his third season of Formula 2 and, in a dual-campaign year, has won the Formula 3 Asia championship. He already has experience of Formula 1 from his time as a Renault and Alpine junior, and it’s rumoured that he brings a significant package of Chinese sponsorship. Alfa Romeo team principal Frédéric Vasseur said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Guanyu Zhou to Alfa Romeo Racing. He’s a very talented driver, as his results in F2 have shown, and we’re looking forward to helping his talent flourish even more in F1. “We’re also looking forward to welcoming all the new Chinese fans who will join the team: Alfa Romeo Racing is a historical brand and one that embodies the spirit of F1, and we will do our utmost to make the experience of our sport a great one in China.” This likely shows that Alfa Romeo is looking to grow its road car brand in China, which is the world’s largest market for new cars. Zhou said: “I dreamt from a young age of climbing as high as I can in a sport that I’m passionate about, and now the dream has come true. “It’s a privilege for me to start my F1 racing career with an iconic team, a team that has introduced so much young talent into F1 in the past. “To be the first ever Chinese driver in F1 is a breakthrough for Chinese motorsport history. I know a lot of hopes will be resting on me and, as ever, I will take this as motivation to become better and achieve more.” Giovinazzi will depart Alfa Romeo at the end of 2021 after 62 grands prix, leaving F1 without an Italian driver, despite the presence of Alfa Romeo, AlphaTauri and Ferrari. Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato said: “Alfa Romeo is extremely grateful to Antonio Giovinazzi for his strong contribution to the team over the years, not just from a sporting point of view. Antonio has embodied the Italian spirit of the brand, being an authentic ambassador every day.”
Alfa Romeo sets date for driver announcement amid tensions after sabotage claims by Giovinazzi
Tension keeps growing in the Alfa Romeo’s box as driver Antonio Giovinazzi was left, once again, disappointed by the strategies decided by the team during the Mexican Grand Prix. Antonio Giovinazzi quickly became one of the most discussed drivers of the 2021 season thanks to his often-surprising exploit in qualifying, which led him to consistently outqualify his teammate Kimi Raikkonen. However, Antonio was rarely able to finalize his Saturday performance during the races due to a combination of bad luck and costly mistakes from the team, the latter being the absurd strategy call during the Mexican Grand Prix. The Italian driver started the Grand Prix from 11th but immediately climbed up to 6th due to the accidents involving various drivers during the first lap as well as his now proven ability to conquer positions at the start. He was then able to fend off from Sebastian Vettel to remain in 7th before being instructed to box on lap 16. To understand how unusual and even senseless the strategy call was, it must be understood that Pirelli believed the pit window to be between lap 22 and 32. Moreover, Giovinazzi was still in a good condition with Vettel not getting any closer. After the pit stop, the Alfa Romeo driver was stuck behind Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas and couldn’t move past the obviously more performant car. Dirty air damaged his tyres and at that point, his race had been completely ruined. Finally, the Italian finished the race in 11th without conquering any points. Unfortunately, the Mexican Grand Prix hasn’t been the first time Alfa Romeo provided Antonio Giovinazzi with reckless tactical decisions but this time the Italian was finally able to speak up and ironically thanked the box for the strategy at the end of the race. Later on, when asked by Sky Sports Italy about whether he feels like Alfa Romeo is trying to sabotage him, Giovinazzi admitted: “I didn’t want to believe it until now but today I’m really disappointed”. Italian sportsmen sided with the driver through a social campaign that was shared by the likes of Chelsea player Jorginho, showing his pride in Giovinazzi. Support for the Italian also came from the Elkann family, as Lapo Elkann, brother of the president of Ferrari John Elkann, tweeted after the race: “I have great respect for Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen Team Principal but seeing an F1 team damaging his driver is really sad and enraging. I stand with Giovinazzi, an Italian talent who deserves the fans’ affection. “. Furthermore, if it’s now clear Antonio Giovinazzi is set to leave Alfa Romeo at the end of 2021, Alfa Romeo Team Principal Frederic Vasseur announced to Canal+ during a Twitch live the decision regarding who will side Valtteri Bottas at Alfa Romeo in 2022 has been taken and the announcement is set for the 16th of November. Hence, Guanyu Zhou seems set to debut in Formula 1 in 2022. Meanwhile, the hypothesis on Giovinazzi’s future is that the driver might join Ferrari in its alternative programs, such as GT or Hypercars. Whatever the political situation at Alfa Romeo is, it remains the fact that a driver that worked hard for the team should be treated with more respect in what could be his last season at the pinnacle of F1.
Andretti-Alfa Romeo talks were terminated at the last minute due to ‘control issues’
Michael Andretti says he was hours away from agreeing a deal to take over the Alfa Romeo Formula 1 team before talks fell apart. The IndyCar champion and team boss insisted the deal with Sauber, which runs the Alfa Romeo-branded team, had not collapsed due to financial reasons. Andretti said questions over the extent of control he would enjoy over the team were not satisfactorily addressed.“Don’t believe the rumours you were hearing about why it didn’t happen,” he said. “It had nothing to do with financial or anything like that. “It was more having to do with control issues. Unfortunately at the 11th hour control issues changed and it was a deal we had to step away from because we couldn’t accept it. “I always said that we’re only going to do it if it’s right for us and in the end it wasn’t right for us.” Although Andretti believes F1 owners Liberty Media would welcome a second American team in the sport, he said they hadn’t acted to facilitate a deal. “I think they would like it, obviously, because they’re really pushing the American market,” he said. “But they weren’t doing anything to help us.” “It would have been a huge story,” added Andretti, who previously tried to buy the Force India F1 team in 2018 and had talks with Haas. “It’s a shame it didn’t work out but I don’t give up.” Had Andretti’s takeover of Alfa Romeo gone ahead he intended to place IndyCar driver Colton Herta in F1, despite his lack of a superlicence for the 2022 season. “Obviously if we ever do get a team he would lead the way for us in terms of wanting to bring an American driver,” said Andretti. “He would be the perfect guy to do it. “We definitely were going to get him into the seat because I believe he could definitely be a competitive driver in Europe, I really do, there’s no reason why.”
Andretti’s Alfa Romeo takeover will not be happening as he terminates talks
Andretti Autosport has reportedly walked away from a deal to take a majority interest in Sauber, a move that has likely brought an end to the American motorsport enterprise’s ambitions of entering F1, at least in the near term. According to a report from The Race, Andretti was set to acquire an 80% stake in Islero Investments, the entity owned by Swedish Billionaire Finn Rausing which owns Sauber Motorsport and its prime asset, the Alfa Romeo F1 team. The two parties had apparently agreed on a purchase price for the 80% holding in Islero. However, Rausing also reportedly sought a five-year $50m-a-year payment to guarantee Sauber’s presence on the grid in F1 to counter any potential future shortfall in sponsorship. It is believed that Andretti baulked at the latter demand which came late in the day during the negotiations between the two parties. The condition suddenly put an unrealistic and stratospheric valuation on the Swiss outfit as far as Andretti was concerned. It is also believed that Rausing is not a motivated seller, and perfectly content with Islero Investments holding on to its Sauber asset given Formula 1’s bullish prospects for the future and how the value of its franchises are likely to increase. Following Alfa Romeo’s signing of Valtteri Bottas from Mercedes, IndyCar star Colton Herta had been speculatively linked to the second seat as part of a deal with Andretti – despite lacking the required superlicence points. With the move collapsing, Alfa Romeo could now pursue Alpine-backed F2 driver Guanyu Zhou, who is understood to be strongly supported financially.
Haas boss Steiner gives a hint on Andretti takeover but talks ‘not as concrete’
Haas Formula 1 team boss Guenther Steiner has given a hint that there were talks between the team and Michael Andretti on a possible takeover but insists that the talks were not as ‘concrete’ as the rumors state they are. According to reliable media sources, Andretti is believed to have plans to buy major shares in Sauber which have him take control of the Alfa Romeo F1 team. The tycoon, who was a former McLaren driver is said to be looking for an 80 per cent share of Islero Investments which was set up by the Longbow Finance group that acquired the team from founder and then co-owner Peter Sauber. The move would provide a second American-owned entry on the F1 grid alongside Haas and asked if Andretti had held talks over acquiring a stake in the team, Steiner said: “Everybody knows each other in American racing and maybe there were talks but maybe not as concrete as you think they are.” On Andretti’s talks with Sauber, he added: “I don’t know what Michael is doing to be honest. “I spoke with Michael a few times, not lately, but I don’t know what Michael is trying to do.” With the focus on promoting F1’s market in the US providing a second race Stateside in Miami next year, being an American-owned team will bring a more intense spotlight. WIth the potential of Haas losing that exclusivity if Andretti completes the takeover of Sauber, Steiner was adamant his team did not see any threat to the job it has been doing. “I don’t see anybody as a threat,” he said. “We have no issue with that one wherever the team is from. But I think what we didn’t do, we didn’t exploit the American market, the sponsorship market as much as we should have because otherwise we would have more American on the car. “But there seems to be a lot of this that everything needs to be American all of a sudden and everything sounds to be focussed on America. But I think there is other countries as well and for sure, because Austin is now on, there is a lot of focus on it. “But there hasn’t been anyone knocking on our door with a big sponsorship deal and saying because we are American, this is what we are going to do or this is why we are going to support an American driver. “There is no magic in this game and whatever happens, there will be not a lot of change. “There is a lot of talk at the moment but we need to walk now.”
Giovinazzi is hoping Bottas will take over Raikkonen’s legacy at Alfa Romeo
Antonio Giovinazzi is hoping Valtteri Bottas will be of much resourcefulness to the team as Kimi Raikkonen. Bottas who is currently driving for Mercedes, will be replacing Kimi Raikkonen in 2022 as he retires. The 32-year old has been driving for Mercedes for the past five years. Despite not having not won any championship, he has helped Mercedes win five constructors championships with Hamilton as a duo. Alfa Romeo currently ranks ninth in the constructors championship after Williams overtook it in the last five races. This means that Bottas has huge task on his hands with also the new F1 regulations taking effect in 2022. Giovinazzi was asked on his expectations on arrival of Valtteri Bottas in 2022, “For sure it is a different team from my first experience in 2017. With Kimi coming in 2019, he brought some good things from Ferrari and from his experience.” “This is what Valtteri will find and what Valtteri will bring, he is another experienced driver and comes from a team like Mercedes so I am sure he can bring good things to the team and can still improve year after year.” The Italian’s future with Alfa Romeo remains uncertain as a couple of drivers are in line to replace him. “It is not a question for me, you need to ask this to Fred [Vasseur, Alfa Romeo team principal]. “The only thing I can do is try to get more points and I hope that will be enough.”
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