Alfa Romeo engines & Giovinazzi touted for Haas in 2018

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The Alfa Romeo name could return to Formula 1 as soon as next year with Germany's Auto Bild suggesting Ferrari could rebrand the engines they supply to Haas.

Chairman Sergio Marchionne has previously made his intentions clear to bring another historic car name back to the F1 grid with many previously suggesting a new team could be founded to create a setup similar to Red Bull and Toro Rosso.

However, given the strong ties between the American team and the Scuderia, with Carlos Sainz only referring to them as a "Ferrari 'B' team" earlier this week, a rebranding of customer engines appears a more likely route.

As well as reviving the Alfa name, there are also suggestions current Ferrari third driver Antonio Giovinazzi could drive for Haas next year.

The Italian, who competed in the first two races in place of Pascal Wehrlein at Sauber, is set for seven Friday morning practice appearances with the Banbury-based outfit during the remainder of this year, with the first of those comes this weekend at the British Grand Prix.

"We always need to see the next generation," Haas team boss Guenther Steiner said of the decision to allow Giovinazzi to drive.

"We need to give the young guys an opportunity, otherwise we can end up without talent because at the moment to get into F1 is so difficult.

"You can only do testing two days a year in the rookie test, or otherwise with a three-year-old car. It is a very odd thing.

"The teams need to be wanting to help some young talent, otherwise we end up with no drivers anymore. The youngsters need to have a perspective of their future.

"You win or finish second in GP2 and what do you do? Look at [Pierre] Gasly – he had to go to Japan to race because there was nothing for him here. They need to be able to show their talent."

 

         

 

 

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