600th GP – The Highlights

Hinwil, 17 May 2025 – The 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix marks the 600th Grand Prix appearance for Sauber across its various eras. Since its Formula One debut in 1993, the team has produced a host of memorable moments, landmark achievements, and defining chapters.

It all began in South Africa in 1993, where the team arrived on the grid with the C12 and drivers JJ Lehto and Karl Wendlinger. After a year of development following the conclusion of the Mercedes sportscar programme, the F1 debut at Kyalami was both bold and ambitious. Against established teams like McLaren, Williams, Ferrari, and Benetton, both Sauber cars qualified inside the top 10 – Lehto in an impressive sixth and Wendlinger in 10th.

The race was one of unusually high attrition, with only five cars reaching the finish line. Wendlinger was on course for a sensational podium before an electronics issue ended his charge. Lehto held on to be classified fifth – a remarkable result at the time, when points were only awarded to the top six finishers. Across the season, both drivers achieved top six finishes, with a best result of fourth.

The team’s first podium came at Monza in 1995, with Heinz-Harald Frentzen finishing third in a race won by Benetton’s Johnny Herbert. The Englishman joined Sauber the following season and delivered another podium finish in Monaco – one of the toughest races on the calendar – where only a handful of drivers reached the chequered flag.

Herbert continued to impress, claiming third in Hungary in 1997. Jean Alesi added a podium in Spa in 1998, and the following year qualified on the front row at his home race in Magny-Cours – the team’s first-ever front-row start, though a spin ended his day early.

The 2001 season proved to be a breakthrough. Rookie Kimi Räikkönen joined Nick Heidfeld in a car that regularly scored points. Räikkönen finished sixth on debut in Melbourne, while Heidfeld placed fourth. The highlight came in Brazil, where Heidfeld secured a podium. By the season’s end, the team had taken an impressive fourth place in the Constructors’ standings.

In 2002, Felipe Massa joined the team, replacing McLaren-bound Räikkönen. Although there were no podiums that season, consistent points ensured a solid fifth-place finish in the championship.

Frentzen returned in 2003 and added a podium at Indianapolis – another sign of the team’s continued competitiveness.

The BMW Era: A New Peak

In 2006, Sauber became the BMW works team – a transformative partnership that soon delivered results. Heidfeld claimed a podium in Hungary, and rookie Robert Kubica added another at Monza in only his third race. In 2007, Heidfeld finished second in Canada – the team’s first time on the second step of the podium. That weekend was marred by a frightening accident for Kubica, who missed the next race in the USA, allowing 19-year-old Sebastian Vettel to make his Formula One debut with the team.

Following McLaren’s exclusion from the standings, BMW Sauber finished second in the Constructors’ Championship – a major milestone.

The 2008 season was the most successful in the team’s history: Robert Kubica took pole in Bahrain and went on to win in Montreal – the team’s maiden Formula One victory. With Heidfeld finishing second, it was a memorable one-two. That season also brought Sauber’s first fastest lap (via Heidfeld in Malaysia), seven second places, and three further podium finishes. The team ended the year third in the Constructors’ standings, with Kubica fourth in the Drivers’ Championship.

However, momentum faded in 2009. While there were two second-place finishes – Heidfeld in Malaysia and Kubica in Brazil – the package was no longer a consistent frontrunner. BMW’s withdrawal at the end of the season marked the end of a golden era.

Resilience in Transition

The team returned to Peter Sauber’s ownership in 2010, and while the next period brought some budget constraints and competitive challenges, there were still notable highs.

The 2012 season stood out, thanks to the competitive C31. Sergio Pérez scored second-place finishes in Malaysia and Italy and added a third in Canada. Kamui Kobayashi also thrilled fans with third at his home Grand Prix in Japan – one of the most popular results in team history.

From 2013 onwards, financial headwinds made it difficult to challenge regularly for points. Still, moments of brilliance remained. In 2015, the team secured a double points finish in Melbourne, with Felipe Nasr in fifth and Marcus Ericsson eighth.

The 2018 season marked the arrival of Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver impressed immediately, finishing sixth in Baku on just his third start – and eventually leaving the team for Ferrari at the end of the season. In 2019, now racing under the Alfa Romeo name, Kimi Räikkönen returned to Hinwil. A strong performance in Brazil saw him finish fourth, with teammate Antonio Giovinazzi in fifth – the team’s best result in the Alfa Romeo era.

Valtteri Bottas joined in 2022 and immediately made an impact, regularly scoring points alongside Zhou Guanyu. Together, they helped the team to sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship that season – its best finish in a decade.

A New Chapter Awaits

In 2022, it was confirmed that Sauber would become the strategic partner for Audi’s Formula One entry. From 2026, the team will compete as a full Audi factory outfit – a new chapter in a story defined by resilience, reinvention, and racing spirit.

As the team marks 600 Grands Prix, it’s not only a time to reflect on past glories, but also to look ahead with anticipation. We're proud of what has been accomplished – and even more excited for what lies ahead.