Just another way of Ferrari bending the rules to its own ends , more development feedback.
Ferrari pulls the strings at Fiat, as done for a long time Alfa is were Ferrari mad is name .
But since Ferrari became part of Fiat it has made sure its racing funding is above every other band under the same brand. this has left Lancia & Alfa in the background for a long time now.
Little more than re-branding with out teeth Alfa are no going to be a top team .
The only marks that could take the battle to Mercedes , are Porsche & Audi or one of the other makes that VW own like Lamborghini , but I do not see that one VW are still in recovery mode after the scandle.