Alfa Romeo wants to keep its duo of drivers, provided that they have a “win-win situation”
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, representative of the Alfa Romeo racing team, stated his desire to keep the same pair of drivers for 2024, but under certain conditions. The Italian also opens up about the backstage arrival of Audi.
We know that Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou are at risk for 2024. The Finnish driver is experienced but struggles to maximize his performance. Zhou, on the other hand, is in his second season of Formula 1 and is still searching for performance. Certainly, the Alfa Romeo is far from being the best car, but there is a feeling that the drivers are not maximizing their performance. In the absence of an Alex Albon at Williams or a Nico Hülkenberg at Haas, the Alfa Romeo drivers are struggling to score big points and make an impact.
However, the team representative, who carries the responsibilities of Team Principal, does not particularly wish to change his duo for 2024. Alessandro Alunni Bravi would like to continue as he did this year.
No change?
Apart from a possible arrival of Théo Pourchaire in Formula 1 next year, there aren’t many people competing for a spot at Alfa Romeo, which will revert to Sauber in 2024. Alunni Bravi wishes to keep Bottas and Zhou.
« Of course, we have always said that stability is important to us. We are a team undergoing transformation and we are trying to be as stable as possible in all areas. Of course, we are seeking improvements and opportunities. »
« After the summer break, we will have time to sit down with Zhou to see what the best solution will be for both of us. Our goal is to keep both drivers in our team next year, but of course, all the elements must be in place for a win-win situation, he continued. The Chinese driver would then start his third year in Formula 1 and could finally compete in his home Grand Prix in China, which is scheduled to take place in 2024.
The arrival of Audi
Audi’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026 with Sauber is already starting a new dynamic within the team. The preparation for Audi’s entry into Formula 1 is being felt at Sauber. We are already thinking about the future. Alessandro Alunni Bravi is confident for the coming years and is excited about the development that is taking place.
So, regarding our program, the program is on the right track. We are working hard to develop the team over the next two seasons. We are aware that there are also constraints related to financial regulations, but with Andreas Seidl, we are working to address all our weaknesses and try to seek out the best opportunities in the market to bring quality to our team and develop our facilities.
The machine is already in motion, with the groundwork being laid by Andreas Seidl. Audi wants to enter Formula 1 to compete with the best and not be stuck at the back of the grid, hence this intensive work that has already begun with Sauber. Alessandro Alunni Bravi concluded in a positive way: « We are working as a team, all together, to be ready for 2026. » Now let’s wait for the extension of Bottas and Zhou for 2024, and maybe even beyond.
