Sauber

Sauber Motorsport AG is a Swiss motorsport engineering company, founded in the 1970s by Peter Sauber. The team participated in various motorsport series before entering Formula One in 1993. Sauber's involvement in motorsport began with the construction of sports cars and eventually progressed to the team's participation in the Le Mans 24 Hours and the World Sportscar Championship. The move to Formula One marked a significant step up in both competition and visibility for the team.

History

The early years of Sauber saw the team focusing on sports car racing, with their cars achieving success in various championships. In 1993, Sauber made its debut in Formula One with the C12 car, powered by an Ilmor engine. The team scored points in its first season, establishing itself as a competent newcomer.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Sauber became known for its engineering excellence and ability to compete with a modest budget. The team's partnership with Mercedes-Benz in sports car racing led to the development of several talented drivers, including Michael Schumacher, who drove for Sauber before his illustrious Formula One career.

In 2005, the BMW Group bought a majority stake in the team, renaming it BMW Sauber. Under BMW's ownership, the team achieved its first and only Formula One victory at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix with Robert Kubica. However, BMW withdrew from Formula One at the end of the 2009 season, and the team reverted to its original name, Sauber.

Partnerships and Ownership Changes

Sauber has had several significant partnerships and ownership changes throughout its history. After BMW's withdrawal, the team continued to compete as Sauber, maintaining a partnership with Ferrari for engines. In 2016, investment firm Longbow Finance S.A. acquired Sauber, ensuring the team's financial stability and future in Formula One.

In 2018, Sauber announced a partnership with Alfa Romeo, leading to the team being rebranded as Alfa Romeo Racing, though it remained operationally independent. This partnership brought additional resources and support, helping to improve the team's competitiveness in the Formula One grid.

Notable Achievements

Sauber's most notable achievements in Formula One include a handful of podium finishes and a race victory under the BMW Sauber name. The team has been praised for its ability to develop young talent, with drivers like Kimi Räikkönen, Felipe Massa, and Sergio Pérez starting their Formula One careers at Sauber.

Current Status

As of the latest season, the team competes under the Alfa Romeo Racing banner, continuing its tradition of innovation and competitiveness in Formula One. Sauber's legacy as a breeding ground for talent and its contributions to motorsport engineering remain significant.

Legacy

Sauber Motorsport AG's legacy in motorsport is marked by its commitment to innovation, development of young drivers, and ability to compete at a high level with limited resources. The team's history in both sports car racing and Formula One has made it a respected name in the motorsport community.