Sauber celebrated its 30th anniversary since its debut in Formula 1.

This week marks Sauber's 30th anniversary in Formula 1. Founded by Peter Sauber, the Swiss team has forged numerous partnerships to secure its future, and we look back on three decades of its journey in F1.

In 1993, Sauber took part in its first Grand Prix at Kyalami on March 14. The brand-new team caused a sensation by finishing fifth, thanks to Finnish driver JJ Letho (Jyrki Juhani Jarvilehto). This result earned Sauber its first points in Formula 1, two points under the six-place scoring system in use at the time. The initial plan was to launch with Mercedes-Benz, but a financial crisis in 1991 forced Mercedes to withdraw from the Group C program and abandon all involvement in F1, according to engineer Beat Zehnder. For its first race, Sauber raced with a black livery bearing the words “Concept by Mercedes-Benz.” The rookie season ended with 12 points. First successes After Mercedes withdrew, Sauber secured the support of Red Bull and Petronas in 1995 and switched to a Ford engine, a partnership that lasted a decade. That same year, the team achieved its first podium finish when Frentzen came third in the Italian Grand Prix. The following season, Ford did not renew its contract, leaving Sauber without an engine for 1997. Peter Sauber negotiated a deal with Ferrari, but the engines were badged Petronas for contractual reasons, and the team was renamed Sauber Petronas. Relations with Ferrari got off to a cold start, and financial difficulties soon forced the team, in 2001, to recruit pay drivers for the first time, including the young Kimi Räikkönen alongside Germany's Nick Heidfeld in the C20. Their performances enabled Sauber to achieve its best season to date, with 21 points scored and fourth place in the constructors' championship.

When Räikkönen joined McLaren-Mercedes, Sauber signed Felipe Massa, who remained for four seasons until 2005. Together with Giancarlo Fisichella, Massa helped the team achieve one of its best seasons in 2004, with 34 points.

The BMW period Starting in 2005, Sauber underwent major changes. Räikkönen's departure allowed the team to build its own wind tunnel and distance itself further from Ferrari. Red Bull withdrew to focus on its own team, leaving Sauber without a major partner. In 2006, BMW bought the team and renamed it BMW Sauber. This acquisition propelled the team to new heights: Sauber finished second in the 2007 championship and claimed its first victory in 2008 when Robert Kubica won the Canadian Grand Prix. But this momentum was short-lived. Despite a strong campaign in 2008, BMW failed to produce a competitive car for 2009 and announced its withdrawal from F1 in July, without signing the new Concorde Agreement. Toyota's withdrawal opened up a spot on the starting grid for Sauber in 2010, but the team entered the season with limited support.

Hope, relapse, and a new start After BMW's departure, Sauber continued to fight above its means. With Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Pérez at the wheel, the team regularly finished on the podium, including Kobayashi's victory at Suzuka in 2012 in the C31. However, the introduction of the V6 turbo-hybrid formula in 2014 hit Sauber hard. “At a time when we had no money and it was extremely difficult for a private team to find sponsors, we suddenly had to face an additional cost of €13-14 million for the power units,” recalls Beat Zehnder. Financial difficulties returned, and in 2018, the team resurfaced with Alfa Romeo as its main sponsor, even though the Italian brand was not yet ready to become its owner. Performance remained modest, with Alfa Romeo's best result being a fifth place finish by Valtteri Bottas at Imola in 2022. That same year, Alfa Romeo announced that it would leave F1 after the 2023 season. Uncertainty persisted until Audi announced its intention to join the sport in 2026 and partner with Sauber. Team principal Frédéric Vasseur described the decision as “becoming Audi's official team is not only an honor and a great responsibility, but also the best option for the future.” An optimistic future In 2024 and 2025, the Hinwil-based team will once again race under the Sauber name. From 2026, the team will become Audi, with the German manufacturer establishing a technical partnership that will see Hinwil host the development of Audi's powertrain. Backed by Audi's resources, the team is poised to take a significant step forward.