Peter Sauber Reveals Missed Deal to Sign a Young Lewis Hamilton

Peter Sauber has revealed that his team nearly signed a young Lewis Hamilton from McLaren's junior program around 20 years ago, a move that could have dramatically altered the course of F1 history. The deal ultimately collapsed over a simple but crucial disagreement: McLaren wanted to loan Hamilton for one year, while Sauber insisted on a two-year commitment. This near-miss adds a fascinating 'what if' to the legacy of a team renowned for spotting future champions like Kimi Räikkönen and Robert Kubica.

Why it matters:

• This revelation underscores the Swiss team's long-standing reputation for identifying and nurturing future world champions, a trait Audi will inherit in 2026.
• It highlights how a single contractual detail can alter the entire landscape of Formula 1, preventing a potential alternative timeline for a seven-time world champion.
• The story adds a compelling layer to the team's history as it prepares to close the 'Sauber' chapter and rebrand as an Audi works outfit.

The details:

• The meeting took place around 20 years ago at Kloten Airport, involving Hamilton, his father Anthony, a McLaren delegation, Peter Sauber, and then-team lawyer Monisha Kaltenborn.
• Hamilton was part of McLaren's junior driver program, and the team proposed a one-year loan to Sauber for his Formula 1 training.
• Sauber, however, insisted on a two-year deal to justify the investment and integration of a young driver into the team.
• When McLaren refused to budge, the talks collapsed, sending Hamilton back to the Woking-based squad where he debuted in 2007, nearly winning the championship in his rookie season.

Looking Ahead:

As the Hinwil-based operation prepares for its transformation into the Audi factory team in 2026, stories like this reinforce the rich history and keen eye for talent that the German manufacturer is set to inherit. While this particular 'what if' will remain a fascinating footnote in F1 lore, it serves as a powerful reminder of the fine margins that define careers and championships in the sport. The focus now shifts to whether Audi can continue this legacy of identifying and developing top-tier talent as it aims to become a front-runner in the new regulations era.