Alfa Romeo reveals special F1 livery at Azerbaijan GP

Alfa's livery tweak on its C42 F1 car is meant to celebrate the launch of the Alfa Romeo Tonale road car, an electric SUV.

As part of the change the engine cover and sidepod will be painted green for the Baku weekend, turning the livery into an Italian tricolor flag.

In a statement the Hinwil-based team said "the colour green is a nod to the Montreal Green hue used in Tonale’s launch, but also a strong link to Alfa Romeo’s identity for the transition to a more responsible and sustainable concept of mobility" as well as a tribute to its Italian identity.

The livery also features Tonale’s signature headlights shape on the C42 engine cover.

The Tonale, which hits European showrooms this weekend, is the Italian brand’s first electrified C-SUV or crossover SUV.

F1 team drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu tested the car earlier this year in the Italian Alps.

Car of Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo C42

Photo by: Alfa Romeo

The Sauber team that runs as Alfa Romeo in Formula 1 has always maintained that its links to the manufacturer were more than a branding exercise. Previously the Swiss team was closely involved with the development of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm road cars in 2020.

Speaking about the tie-up last year, team boss Fred Vasseur said: "Even if it's outside of the Formula 1 world, I think it's important to build up a strong collaboration between the two companies.

"The automotive side is one part of the partnership and it's crucial if you want to develop the partnership between the brand and the Formula 1 team."