diff --git a/.clang-format b/.clang-format
index 6752a5077..f510ba4a1 100644
--- a/.clang-format
+++ b/.clang-format
@@ -31,6 +31,10 @@ UseTab: Never
 SortIncludes: false
 ColumnLimit: 100
 
+# treat pointers and reference declarations as if part of the type
+DerivePointerAlignment: false
+PointerAlignment: Left
+
 # when wrapping function calls/declarations, force each parameter to have its own line
 BinPackParameters: 'false'
 BinPackArguments: 'false'