Sauber Founder Recalls Team's Greatest Moments Ahead of Audi Takeover

As the Sauber name officially fades from Formula 1 ahead of Audi's 2026 entry, founder Peter Sauber is reflecting on the moments that defined his team's three-decade journey. He pinpointed the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix 1-2 finish, the surprising 2001 constructors' championship P4 with two rookies, and the four podiums in his final season of 2012 as his most cherished memories.

Why it matters:

• This marks the definitive end of an era for one of F1's most respected independent constructors, which competed under its own name for 30 years.
• Sauber's reflections provide a crucial historical foundation for the incoming Audi works team, reminding fans of the legacy of success and resilience they are inheriting.
• It underscores Sauber's legacy as a talent-spotter, having given early F1 chances to future stars like Kimi Räikkönen and Robert Kubica.

The details:

• 2008 Canadian GP Victory: Sauber called the 1-2 finish with Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld in Canada a highlight, achieved during their successful partnership with BMW. "Because it's important to win races," he noted.
• 2001 Constructors' P4: The team's highest championship finish in its first 14 seasons was a standout, achieved with a driver lineup of Nick Heidfeld and a rookie Kimi Räikkönen. Sauber called the result "fantastic" and "surprising" given their inexperience.
• 2012 Podiums: In his final year before stepping back, the team scored four podium finishes, including a memorable P2 at Monza where they beat their engine suppliers, Ferrari.
• On Drivers: When asked to name a favorite driver, Sauber declined, stating, "I cannot pick one. Everybody was special. Maybe not special good, but special."

What's next:

• The team's Hinwil headquarters in Switzerland will remain the operational base for the new Audi factory team.
• All focus now shifts to the German manufacturer's 2026 debut, where they will aim to build upon the independent foundation laid by Sauber.
• The ultimate challenge for Audi will be to achieve the championship success that the Sauber team consistently chased but never quite secured during its time on the grid.