Alfa Romeo continues to look to the future and does so in the name of Audi. As is well known, starting from 2026, Audi will officially enter Formula 1, tying up with Sauber that at the end of 2023 will greet Alfa Romeo.
Not a very brilliant start
The 2023 season of the Italian-Swiss team has undoubtedly not started in the best way. Bottas and Zhou continue to have performances characterized by many ups and downs, with the Chinese player still coming off a good performance in Spain, in which he managed to get a good eighth position.
Alfa Romeo, Key is the new technical director
However, the minds of many Sauber executives are on 2026. Beyond to the Seidl graft as CEO at the start of the season, it was announced today the new technical director: let's talk about James Key, who will join the team starting from September 1st, replacing the current manager Jan Monchaux. For Key there is talk of a return, as he has already been at Alfa Romeo from 2010 to 2012. As also reported by statement, purchasing Key is very important for: “Prepare the work team in view of the 2026 vintage".
Seidl: “Perfect key for our journey”
There was clearly no shortage of welcoming words from the CEO of the Sauber group, Andreas Seidl"They are very proud to welcome James back to Hinwil. He joins us, giving even more shape to our future team (Audi ed.). The operations he will be in charge of have changed a lot since the last time he was here, but I know that the drive and commitment that has contributed to the success of the team, as well as his experience of him, is the same. I am sure that together, with these true talents, we will be able to continue on the growth path we have embarked on".
"James's arrival it is fundamental to our project: He has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the sport, not only as a technical director, but also in various other roles. He will lead the transformation process on the technical side of the team, giving us the right tools and directions we need for future steps. I would also like to thank Jan for his enormous contribution to Sauber, contributing to our most successful season in a decade, in which we took sixth place in the constructors' championship."
Key speaks
In addition to Seidl, here are the statements of an emotional Key: "I am happy to return to Hinwil to work with my old, but also new, colleagues at Sauber. I have so many memories of the time we spent together. I'm looking forward to leading the technical side of the team at one of the most critical moments in their long history as we head into a new and exciting future. There is a great deal of work ahead of us, but I am confident that every single member of the team in Hinwil will work with commitment, determination to try to reach the top”.
"We know that this takes time and perseverance, and the results of this work only come after two seasons and more, but we have a long journey ahead of us and a clear path to follow that I can't wait to begin. I am grateful to Andreas for the trust he has placed in me and I look forward to repaying it and working closely with him on future challenges and ambitions.”
