Sauber’s Journey in F1 – BMW, Alfa Romeo Partnership, Latest Team Name and Audi Future

In the ever-evolving world of Formula 1, it’s hard for teams to stick around for longer than a few seasons. It’s the same whether they are privately owned or manufacturing giants. Well, except for Ferrari, who has been in the game since the first Formula 1 championship. However, there is one team that has stood the test of time: Sauber. From its humble beginnings to the brink of a groundbreaking partnership with Audi, the journey for Sauber in F1 is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Sauber is Born: The Genesis of a Racing Legacy

In the picturesque town of Hinwil, Switzerland, the year 1970 witnessed the birth of PP Sauber AG, a company destined for greatness. Founded by the visionary Peter Sauber, the initial focus on crafting open two-seater racing sports cars paved the way for a remarkable journey into Formula 1. Fast forward to January 1992, and Peter Sauber’s audacious decision to enter Formula 1 as a private team marked a turning point in Sauber’s history.

The C12, with its Ilmor engine, hit the track in the fall of the same year. It symbolized a leap from sports car racing to the pinnacle of motorsport. The debut at the South African Grand Prix in 1993, with drivers Karl Wendlinger and JJ Lehto, not only earned Sauber acclaim but also hinted at a promising future.

The BMW era for Sauber F1 team: triumphs, challenges, and transition

The mid-2000s brought about a transformative era for Sauber as BMW entered the scene. In 2005, BMW acquired a majority stake, leading to the birth of the BMW Sauber F1 Team. Triumph echoed through the team in 2008 when Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld clinched a historic one-two finish at the Canadian Grand Prix. The season concluded with a third-place finish overall, underlining the team’s prowess.

However, 2009 posed challenges, prompting BMW’s withdrawal from Formula 1. Peter Sauber’s resilient spirit saw him negotiate the buyback of his company, marking a new chapter for the team. The subsequent Independent era, starting in 2010 with Ferrari as the engine supplier, laid the groundwork for future successes.

In 2016, Sauber Motorsport underwent an ownership change, with Frédéric Vasseur taking the reins in 2017. This marked not just a change in leadership, but a renewed determination to carve a distinctive path in Formula 1.

READ MORE: TIL: Back in the BMW Sauber Days, Kubica was Faster than Vettel

The end of the 2017 season as the Sauber F1 Team would pave the way for a new beginning for the team, with the introduction of Alfa Romeo as the title sponsor.

The Alfa Romeo Era: A Resurgence on the Track

December 2, 2017, etched a new chapter in Sauber’s history with the unveiling of a multi-year partnership with Alfa Romeo. The team transformed into the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team, ending a hiatus of over 30 years for the iconic Alfa Romeo brand in Formula 1. The C37, powered by a Ferrari unit, made its debut in Melbourne in 2018, with Marcus Ericsson and Charles Leclerc behind the wheel.

The partnership proved fruitful, extending beyond the initial year. From 2019 to 2021, Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi carried the Alfa Romeo banner, contributing to the team’s commitment to excellence. From 2020 to 2021, the team ran with the official name of Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen.

A pivotal transition unfolded in 2022, welcoming Valtteri Bottas and the first-ever Chinese Formula 1 driver, Guanyu Zhou. The team evolved from Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen to Alfa Romeo F1 Team Orlen, exemplifying the spirit of evolution and progress. The team transitioned to Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake in 2023 after Orlen pulled out, and Stake became the co-title sponsor alongside Alfa Romeo.

End of the Alfa Romeo era: Sauber’s bold move for 2024

As the 2023 season drew to a close, Sauber unveiled a bold strategy for the future. The team, anticipating its role as the Audi works team, sold its chassis and team naming rights for the next two F1 seasons. The Kick Sauber C44 emerged as the official name for the upcoming car, with the team being officially renamed to Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber.

Sauber’s naming rights deal with Kick.com for 2024 and 2025, supported by Stake, signifies a crucial step in the team’s transitional period. Alessandro Alunni Bravi, a Sauber representative, emphasized the importance of such deals in bolstering the team’s position during the Audi transition. Financial constraints during this interim phase make deals like the one with Kick crucial for Sauber’s ability to invest in improvements, including facilities, personnel, and car development. Alunni Bravi emphasized that these pre-Audi seasons are integral to a long-term project aimed at elevating the team to the next level.

The Future: Sauber’s Partnership with Audi

Audi’s entry into the Sauber narrative began in 2023 with the acquisition of a minority stake. The plan unfolds gradually, with Audi set to become the majority stakeholder by 2026, entering Formula 1 as a manufacturer with its team and engine. The partnership goes beyond a technical collaboration. Audi will craft its power unit at its Neuburg base in Germany, involving a dedicated team of over 120 individuals. Meanwhile, Sauber will maintain operations in Hinwil, Switzerland, developing and manufacturing their race car while managing race operations.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, lauded the partnership, recognizing it as an exciting prospect for the sport. The shared values and vision between Audi and Sauber align with the positive momentum in Formula 1 and the sport’s commitment to sustainability. As Sauber embarks on this transformative journey with Audi, the echoes of its storied past resonate. From its inception in 1970 to the partnership with Audi in the future, Sauber’s evolution is a testament to the enduring spirit of Formula 1 and the pursuit of excellence on and off the track.

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With new regulations set to hit Formula 1 when Audi enters the sport in 2026, there are good chances that Audi can hit the ground running right out of the box. What are your thoughts on the matter? Do you think they’ll be competitive straight away or not? Share your insights with us in the comments below.