Ericsson, Leclerc form Alfa Romeo Sauber driver line-up

The new-look Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 team has revealed its 2018 driver line-up with Charles Leclerc set for his rookie season alongside the retained Marcus Ericsson.

Earlier this week the Swiss team confirmed its new technical and title sponsorship deal with Alfa Romeo from 2018. In a team presentation to unveil the new collaboration at Alfa Romeo’s museum in Milan, Ericsson and Leclerc have been confirmed as the team’s driver line-up for next season.

After sealing the Formula 2 title in his maiden campaign in the series, Leclerc has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the junior ranks having sealed the GP3 title in his rookie year in 2016 while he ended his sole European Formula 3 year as top rookie and fourth in the overall drivers’ championships the year before.

Having enjoyed a handful of FP1 outings for Haas in 2016 and Sauber this year, Leclerc has recently completed the post-season test in Abu Dhabi for the Swiss squad and will step up to F1 for his rookie year alongside Ericsson.

The Swedish driver is preparing for his fifth consecutive season in F1 and fourth with Sauber but has failed to score a points finish since the 2015 Italian Grand Prix.

The rebranded team also unveiled its new logo and colours incorporating its Alfa Romeo sponsorship, with its 2018 car livery set to change from blue and white to a predominantly white car with its engine cover in red carrying the Alfa Romeo emblem.

Sauber will use 2018 Ferrari power units next season while being branded under Alfa Romeo, thanks to the FCA Group tie-up, with Ferrari President Sergio Marchionne speaking at the team presentation alongside Formula 1 boss Chase Carey and FIA President Jean Todt.

Not to mention we have also just revealed the livery concept show car for the #F1 #2018 #AlfaRomeoSauberF1Team challenger pic.twitter.com/9HMNC6ILLG

— Sauber F1 Team (@SauberF1Team) December 2, 2017

The team presentation also announced Antonio Giovinazzi will act as the squad’s third driver as back-up to Leclerc and Ericsson. The Italian driver stood in for the injured Pascal Wehrlein for the opening two races of 2017 at Sauber finishing 12th in Australia and crashing out in China.

It’s always been in our history. It’s part of us. Racing is in our DNA. Stay tuned! #AlfaRomeo #AlfaRomeoSauberF1Team @SauberF1Team pic.twitter.com/minaCxFK6C

— Alfa_Romeo (@alfa_romeo) December 2, 2017