Today’s race at Abu Dhabi was a memorable one for several reasons. Lando Norris won his first title in the Formula One, while Max dominated again with a car that isn’t even dominant. We finally waved the DRS wings goodbye and hopefully Ferrari will be back in 2026 as a winner. However, this race marked the end of another era, the one of Sauber Motorsport and Peter Sauber in the Formula One. It was the last race for Sauber, a good one with Nico Hülkenberg scoring the last two point for the Swiss team in the sport.
The legacy began in 1970 when Peter Sauber started building the Sauber C1 in his parent’s garage in Zurich. The C1 competed in local hill climbing competitions. Sauber’s first success came in the 1980s when Peter Sauber first in the BMW M1 Championship with his own team in 1980. Two years later Sauber debuted his team in the Group C championship in 1982. From 1984 onward, the collaboration with Mercedes was a fact. We all know how this collaboration went from 1987 onwards. With drivers as Michael Schumacher, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Mauro Baldi, Jean-Louis Schlesser and Jochen Mass they dominated the Prototype Championship.
The Formula One came in sight after the turbo-era came to an end. The sport became cheaper and more interesting. Sauber had a planned debut in the Formula One with Mercedes. While the plan eventually was canned, Mercedes kept on funding the project. Therefore, on the C12 was written “Concept by Mercedes”.
Sauber in the Formula One meant talent could make their debut and continue growing. Heinz-Harald Frentzen made his debut with Sauber in the Formula One in 1994. Scoring in his second race already points. He would end his career with Sauber as well in 2003, scoring even a podium at Indianapolis. Some other talents were Norberto Fontana, say whatever you want he had the talent. However, his fate in Kimi showed his feel for talent. Not to forget to mention Nick Heidfeld, Felipe Massa and Robert Kubica who were able to learn to drive in the Formula One with Sauber. The latest debuted under BMW Sauber F1 Team.
Peter Sauber his love for the sport is pure, when the financial crisis hit and manufacturers were leaving the Formula one, Peter purchased his team back for 1 euro. Just to keep his team in the Formula One, just to keep the legacy alive. A legacy that came to an end today. The end of an era. I can’t deny that I left some tears after the finish flag, especially when I saw the footage of Peter Sauber standing there, at the age of 82, with his team. For the very last time in the paddock. As from 2026 onwards, it will be Audi instead of Sauber.
Peter Sauber thank you for everything you did for the sport. For the always steady cars that appeared on the track, to allow talent to explore and grow with your team. Thank you; you will be missed in the sport. Sauber will be missed as team.
To honour your legacy, I will light up some damn good Montecristo I still have left and fill a good glass Remy Martin and cheer on you.
Thank you sir for everything!
