Honoring 600 Grand Prix Milestones with Sauber’s Pivotal Moments

As Sauber prepares to celebrate its 600th Formula 1 grand prix at Imola, let’s take a journey through some of the team’s most significant moments. These milestones encapsulate the highs and lows that have shaped Sauber Motorsport AG over the years.

A Promising Debut – The 1993 South African GP

In 1993, Sauber made a splashy entry into F1 after years of success in the World Sportscar Championship. Despite initial plans to front a Mercedes works team, the C12 was anything but a -powered car. The team’s finances might have appeared shaky, but the C12’s impressive performance on the track told a different story.

A Podium Breakthrough – The 1995 Italian GP

By 1995, Sauber had consolidated its position in Formula 1. Heinz-Harald Frentzen led the line as Karl Wendlinger’s aftermath from a previous year’s accident meant he was not at his best. Frentzen took the first Red Bull-liveried Sauber to a series of points-scoring finishes, and it wasn’t until the Italian GP that the team finally made it onto the podium.

A Triumphant Third Place – The 1997 Hungarian GP

In 1997, Johnny Herbert took Sauber to its first podium of the Sauber-Ferrari relationship at the Hungaroring. Despite a challenging year that saw the team lose its works Ford deal, this result demonstrated Herbert’s worthy efforts and marked a significant milestone for the team.

A Double Points Finish – The 2001 Australian GP

In 2001, Sauber experienced a resurgence with a double points finish at the Australian GP. Nick Heidfeld and Kimi Raikkonen’s impressive performances set the stage for a competitive season ahead.

A Historic First BMW Podium – The 2006 Hungary GP

In 2006, Robert Kubica claimed Sauber’s first BMW podium at the Hungarian GP. This marked the beginning of a successful partnership between BMW and Sauber that would yield many more accolades in the years to come.

A Maiden F1 Victory – The 2008 Canadian GP

In 2008, Kubica clinched Sauber’s first and only Formula 1 victory at the Canadian GP. This historic win showcased the team’s potential to compete with the best in the sport.

A Near-Miss for Victory – The 2012 Malaysian GP

In 2012, Sergio Perez came agonizingly close to beating Fernando Alonso for victory at the Malaysian GP. Despite challenging conditions, Perez’s skillful handling of the tyres allowed him to challenge the Ferrari driver for the lead.

Overcoming Adversity – The 2015 Australian GP

In 2015, Sauber overcame a pointless 2014 season and a court case to secure a strong start to the year at the Australian GP. Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr scored points for the team, marking a significant turnaround in their fortunes.

A Career-Defining Moment – The 2016 Brazil GP

In 2016, Felipe Nasr clinched two vital points for Sauber at the Brazilian GP. Although this result marked the end of his Formula 1 career, it symbolized the team’s resilience and ability to survive against all odds.

A New Era Begins – The 2018 Azerbaijan GP

In 2018, Charles Leclerc scored his first Formula 1 points at the Azerbaijan GP. This marked the beginning of a new era for Sauber as they continued to improve and lay the groundwork for Leclerc’s move to Ferrari.