Alfa Romeo 2021 Driver Lineup “a Joint Decision” Made With Ferrari Says Vasseur

A week ago, Alfa Romeo confirmed that they will be sticking with Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi for the 2021 campaign as well. However, team boss Frederic Vasseur has revealed that the decision wasn’t solely theirs to make. Ferrari too had a hand in the decision.

Vasseur said (translated by Google), “We have a good working relationship with Ferrari. Therefore, the driver question is a joint decision.”

Alfa Romeo entered a tie-up with Scuderia Ferrari as an engine supplier back in 2018 and this deal will go on until 2021.

The two teams share a good relationship. This is evidenced in the fact that Ferrari are more than happy to get their up and coming next gen talent into F1 via a seat with Alfa Romeo or Haas.

Giovinazzi too is part of the Ferrari driver programme. In fact, he is even listed as the Scuderia’s reserve driver for 2020. While Kimi, a former Sauber and Ferrari man, is also more than welcome at Alfa Romeo.

Vasseur continued, “Nothing is pressed on us. We have an open discussion with Ferrari and the drivers. The driver has to fit in with the team and feel comfortable there.”

As things stand, it sure looks like both Raikkonen and Giovinazzi are enjoying their time with the Hinwil-based outfit.

Although, they may not be having the best of times on the track, with only 8 points among the two of them so far, they definitely seem comfortable alongside each other and the atmosphere seems pretty cheery.

Regular followers of the team’s social media account can attest to this fact.

Vasseur talks about continuing with Ferrari and the future

When asked whether they plan to continue with Ferrari post the 2021 season, Vasseur said, “We are currently in discussions.”

Despite acquiring a lackluster power unit from the Scuderia for 2020, it looks as though the professional relation between the two teams hasn’t been damaged.

However, Vasseur said that he’d prefer to fast forward to 2022 when the next gen of aerodynamic regulations kick in, which seemingly offers much more parity among teams.

“Everyone will (want to) flip the switch to 2022 as early as possible. Nobody can afford to start the new era way behind. Then you’re done.”

Well, for now, Vasseur and his team have to focus on the remaining 4 races that round out the season. Alfa Romeo lead Haas and Williams on the championship charts, and they’d dearly love to end the season by staying ahead of their rivals and notching up a few more points.