The race for the 38th America’s Cup has a new dose of Italian flair, with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli announcing a headline partnership with Alfa Romeo. In a move that celebrates not just shared colours but shared values, two of Italy’s most iconic names are uniting in a collaboration that promises to bring engineering insight, performance innovation, and design brilliance to the fore.
The announcement was made through a cinematic short film that showcased the emotional and technical synergy between the two brands — both fiercely competitive, both defined by speed, and both shaped by decades of Italian ingenuity.
Two brands, one beating heart
Luna Rossa and Alfa Romeo might operate in different arenas — one slicing through water, the other devouring asphalt — but they are driven by the same principles: pushing boundaries, harnessing technology, and cultivating excellence. From composite engineering to performance telemetry, the parallels between the high-stakes world of foiling monohulls and high-performance cars are many — and it’s here that the partnership finds its most compelling purpose.
For Max Sirena, Team Director of Luna Rossa, the alliance feels both strategic and personal.
“There is a natural affinity between Luna Rossa and Alfa Romeo,” he says.
“Deep roots, Italian heritage, a sporting spirit, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We even share a signature colour — red. Our partnership is built on shared values, and its strength continues to grow.”
From the drawing board to the data room, both Luna Rossa and Alfa Romeo invest heavily in the fusion of design and science. This partnership opens the door for knowledge exchange across a wide range of disciplines: from performance optimisation and material innovation, to advanced simulation and big data analytics.
More than a logo on a sail
Unlike many sponsorships, which stop at badge placement or media tie-ins, the Luna Rossa–Alfa Romeo alliance is intended to be collaborative at the core. Engineers from both teams will work side-by-side on shared technology goals. While neither side has disclosed specific projects just yet, the reference to “advanced materials” and “data analysis” hints at joint ventures that could shape not only the AC75 yacht programme but future Alfa Romeo concept platforms too.
Cristiano Fiorio, Alfa Romeo’s Global Head of Marketing, was quick to emphasise this point.
“Ours is a symbiotic alliance that goes far beyond the joining of two brands or placing logos on a sail or a badge on a car,” he said.
“We share values and heritage — and this can take us anywhere. Because when racing experience meets engineering vision, something truly innovative is born.”
With more than a century of motorsport legacy behind it, Alfa Romeo’s decision to link with Luna Rossa places it firmly in the sailing world’s elite circle. It’s a move that not only boosts the visibility of the America’s Cup in Italy, but deepens the public narrative around technology in sport.
Italy’s America’s Cup ambition, refuelled
The timing of this partnership is also significant. With just over two years to go until the start of the 38th America’s Cup in Naples — now confirmed as the host city — Luna Rossa is deep into its design and testing phase. Every edge matters, and Alfa Romeo’s involvement may offer crucial marginal gains in areas such as real-time data integration and the ergonomics of the crew environment.
Alfa Romeo CEO Santo Ficili sees in Luna Rossa a mirror of his own brand’s values.
“There is no better partner than Luna Rossa,” Ficili said.
“A brand that, like us, carries a strong identity, a rich history, a clear vision for the future, a passion for sport, a drive for excellence, and a deep sense of belonging — and above all… speaks Italian. Just like Alfa Romeo.”
Indeed, this is more than a partnership; it’s a patriotic rally cry. With Emirates Team New Zealand preparing to defend on home waters, and challengers like INEOS Britannia and American Magic refining their own cutting-edge boats, the Italian challenge is showing it won’t be left behind.
Looking ahead to Naples 2027
While we still await technical details of the AC75 Luna Rossa will launch for the 2027 Cup, the Alfa Romeo partnership sends a clear message: Italy is investing heavily in performance, prestige, and innovation. It also hints that the Cup campaign will be more than just a race for the Auld Mug — it will be a showcase of Italian engineering prowess on a global stage.
For New Zealand readers, especially those with an eye on the build-up to the next America’s Cup, this partnership underscores how international campaigns are becoming more tightly integrated with their commercial and technology partners. It’s a reminder, too, that great racing often comes from great collaboration.
And as the countdown to Naples begins, this red-hot alliance between car and sail adds another compelling chapter to the Cup’s evolving story.
