Alfa Romeo have made a sensational return to Formula One, with a big history in the sport. The Italian car manufacturers have been in and out of motorsport over the years – and will have a big task to catch up with the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.
Alfa Romeo have been a part of the branding for Ferrari since 2015, before becoming the title sponsor from the 2018 season for Sauber. However, on February 1, 2019, it was announced that the Swiss team would become Alfa Romeo Racing, despite the management and ownership staying the same. The first drivers under the new banner will be Kimi Raikkonen, after he joined from Ferrari, and Antonio Giovinazzi, who has two 2017 races under his belt.
With just a few days until Alfa Romeo will officially present the car for the 2019 Formula One season, Kimi Raikkonen took part in his first media-day as an Alfa Romeo driver and talked about the team’s prospects this season: “It’s impossible to say what we’re gonna get because we haven’t driven a single meter with the new car. There are some rule changes, it will be interesting to see how the car is. After testing it’s a bit more easy to say. Hopefully we are up there. As a general feeling I think it is positive, and if everyone continues to give their best, as it is happening now, we can only do well”.
Regarding his new teammate, Antonio Giovinazzi, Kimi added: “He’s been in Ferrari over the years. He knows what he is going to get into. We will work much together now. He is young and I think we are going have a good year together”.
On how long he will keep racing, the Finnish driver explained: “I have two-years contract now and after that we will see what happens. No plans after that right now. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t enjoy it.” – Kimi Raikkonen concluded.
Leave a Reply