From Sauber to Audi: The Epic Journey of Formula 1’s Transformation Over Two Decades!
In a move that would redefine the landscape of Formula 1, Peter Sauber made a monumental decision two decades ago that reverberates through the sport today. In June 2005, the legendary Swiss founder sold the majority stake of his team to automotive giant BMW, retaining a mere 20% of his brainchild. This was an unprecedented shift in an era when team owners clung tightly to their legacies, but Sauber saw a greater vision.
In an illuminating interview with AutoSport back in 2005, Sauber laid bare his reasoning for this bold step. “When a constructor like BMW buys a Formula 1 team, they want to control the entire structure. It made no sense for them to purchase my team while I kept making all the decisions, nor would I accept being their employee. The solution we found was the best,” he asserted with unwavering clarity. His demands reflected his commitment to the team’s integrity: “My main priorities were to provide the team with the means to fight for victories and world titles while ensuring that no one lost their job. I insisted the team remain in Hinwil and that nobody be fired simply because BMW had someone else for the same role.”
The years that followed saw the birth of the BMW Sauber era, which marked the pinnacle of the team’s success. During the golden years from 2006 to 2009, Robert Kubica delivered a historic victory in 2008 at the Canadian Grand Prix, leading the team to an impressive second place in the Constructors’ Championship that same year. However, the global financial crisis of 2009 and an underperforming car forced BMW to withdraw, leading Sauber to repurchase the team for a mere euro. Talk about a comeback!
Fast forward to today, and the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. The team transitioned through ten years as an independent entity, using client Ferrari engines from 2010 to 2018 before forming a partnership with Alfa Romeo from 2018 to 2023. The latest chapter? A lucrative sponsorship deal with betting platform Stake for 2024-2025 and, most excitingly, a transformation into the Audi Factory Team, set to launch with engines crafted in Neuburg, Germany, in 2026.
Reflecting on the past, Sauber had pragmatic dreams for his future back in 2005. “I plan to enjoy some well-deserved rest, particularly at my country home. I’ll drop by the factory once or twice a week and attend a few Grand Prix,” he remarked. Yet, he acknowledged that after 25 years of constant travel, the stillness might be jarring: “I might miss the travels and would enjoy visiting countries I only knew through racetracks, hotels, and airports—places like Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and Canada.” One idea sparked his enthusiasm: assembling a collection of every Sauber car from history (from C1 to C24) and showcasing them at a Swiss airfield as a heartfelt tribute to his fellow countrymen.
Two decades later, the team that Peter Sauber founded stands resilient in the Formula 1 arena, but now it’s transformed. The sale to BMW opened doors to new horizons, propelling the team from a respected independent to a powerhouse of major constructors. Today, under the Audi banner, Sauber is not just looking back at its storied past but is also poised for a thrilling future, all while keeping its technical roots firmly planted in Hinwil—the very location that Sauber insisted on maintaining during the pivotal sale of 2005.
What does the future hold for this iconic team? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Peter Sauber’s legacy is far from over!
