Sauber Unveils 2018 Alfa Romeo F1 Livery Concept; 2018 Drivers Announced

The Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team has revealed the new livery concept for the 2018 Formula 1 season. The new concept brings the new red and white paint scheme to the car, a throwback to the original colours on the Alfa Romeo F1 cars of the past while incorporating the title sponsor's logo on the engine cover. The unveil event in Milan, Italy, for the new livery also saw Sauber announce its driver line-up for 2018, which includes Marcus Ericsson and Charles Leclerc as the new drivers. The new livery is a big departure from the blue and gold colours that were seen on the Sauber F1 car until this year and is certain to be distinctive on the grid.

Also Read: Alfa Romeo Returns To Formula 1 With Sauber

(The red and white livery on the 2018 Sauber F1 car come from Alfa Romeo)

The Sauber and Alfa Romeo tie-up was announced late last month and will see the team come closer to Ferrari, which supplies the team engines. The multi-year deal includes technological, commercial and strategic partnership with Alfa Romeo. This also marks the Italian manufacturer's return to F1 after over three decades. The last time Alfa was active in the sport was between 1979-85, and hasn't been active in motorsport since its touring car programme in the 2000s.

Coming to the drivers piloting the new system, Marcus Ericsson has been retained with Sauber after much debate. The Swedish driver was expected to be replaced, given he was the only driver this season to compete in every race without scoring a point. Ericsson will be joining Ferrari-junior driver Charles Leclerc in the paddock next season. It is believed that Ericsson's strong ties with the team's owners has had a role to play in his retention. Leclerc, on the other hand, is a Formula 2 champion and steps into the shoes of Pascal Wehrlein at Sauber with Antonio Giovinazzi to serve as third driver for 2018.

(Marcus Ericsson and Charles Leclerc will be driving Sauber F1 car in 2018)

Leclerc already made his F1 debut this season and participated in four Friday practice sessions with the Ferrari-powered Sauber cars. A full-fledged race debut though is slated for 2018. Speaking on getting the big job, Charles Leclerc said, "I am very happy to be entering Formula One in 2018. First and foremost, I would like to thank Ferrari for their support. I would also like to thank Sauber for their trust and confidence in me as a driver, and look forward to joining the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team for the upcoming season."

Speaking on retaining the top job, Marcus Ericsson said, "First of all, I would like to congratulate the team on the new partnership with Alfa Romeo. It is a great honour for me to be driving for this team in 2018, and I am excited and proud to be part of this promising journey. I am confident that I can add to the knowledge and experience of the team."

Very proud and happy to be driving for #AlfaRomeoSauberF1Team in @F1 2018. Thanks for the trust in me, can't wait to get next season started! #ME9 @SauberF1Team @alfa_romeo pic.twitter.com/q7HXLjLLX2

— Marcus Ericsson (@Ericsson_Marcus) December 2, 2017

Sauber F1 has had a radical change this year with a major power shift and new faces in the management. This year saw its long time team principal Monisha Kaltenborn stepping down and was replaced by former Renault F1 boss Fred Vasseur. The resulting change, also led to Sauber-Honda's partnership for engines being abandoned and the team going back to Ferrari. The deal with Ferrari was also expected to include providing a platform for Ferrari's young drivers.