600th GP – The Drivers

Hinwil, 16 May 2025 – This May, Sauber Motorsport will mark a major milestone as it competes in its 600th Grand Prix in Imola. To commemorate this achievement, we’re launching a multi-part series that reflects on the legacy of a team that has helped shape modern Formula One. In this first instalment, we focus on the drivers who have raced for Sauber since its debut in 1993 – from fresh-faced rookies to seasoned veterans.

2025: A New Chapter Begins

With his Grand Prix debut in 2025, Gabriel Bortoleto became the 33rd driver to race for Sauber, joining a long line of young talents whose F1 careers began under the team’s aegis. His partnership with Nico Hulkenberg, as the team transitions towards the Audi era, continues a long-standing trend at Hinwil: the pairing of emerging drivers with experienced teammates.

Hulkenberg’s presence also reflects another familiar Sauber story. Having first raced for the team in 2013, he now becomes the fifth driver to return for a second stint – a testament to the mutual loyalty between Sauber and its drivers. It's a dynamic that has defined the team for decades – the door remains open for those who once called Hinwil home.

Building a Legacy Through Rookies

One of the most enduring features of Sauber’s identity has been its commitment to giving rookies a chance, a philosophy instilled early on by founder Peter Sauber. This approach has not only shaped countless careers but also helped launch two future World Champions and five other Grand Prix winners.

Among the most iconic of these rookies is Kimi Räikkönen, who made the leap straight from Formula Renault to a Formula One seat with Sauber in 2001. Scepticism surrounded the decision at the time, but Räikkönen silenced doubts by finishing sixth on debut in Melbourne. His performances soon attracted McLaren, and Peter Sauber agreed to release him for the 2002 season. Five years later, Räikkönen conquered the World Championship with Ferrari. In a fitting conclusion, he made his return to Hinwil in 2019 to finish his career where it began, completing a second three-year spell with the team.

Sebastian Vettel followed a different path, arriving at BMW Sauber as a test driver in 2006. He made his race debut at the United States Grand Prix the following year, stepping in for the injured Robert Kubica and finishing in the points. That performance earned him a promotion to Toro Rosso, and by 2010, he had claimed the first of four World Championships with Red Bull Racing.

From Newcomers to Grand Prix Winners

Several other drivers who began their F1 journeys with Sauber went on to achieve Grand Prix victories. Heinz-Harald Frentzen made his debut with the team in 1994 before moving on to successful stints with Williams and Jordan, later returning to Sauber in 2003. His second stint came at the expense of Felipe Massa, who had struggled during his rookie season. Yet Massa rebounded impressively, returning in 2004 and eventually moving to Ferrari, where he became a race winner and narrowly missed out on the 2008 World Championship in a dramatic season finale.

That same year, Robert Kubica – who debuted with the team in 2006 – scored his sole F1 victory at the Canadian Grand Prix. He, too, returned for a brief spell in 2021, making two starts as a reserve driver.

Sergio Pérez, who made his debut with Sauber in 2011, claimed three podiums before moving to McLaren. His race-winning potential was later realised at Racing Point and Red Bull Racing, where he took multiple victories and finished as runner-up in the 2023 championship behind team-mate Max Verstappen.

Charles Leclerc joined Sauber in 2018 and quickly impressed, earning a move to Ferrari the following year. He has since established himself as a consistent front-runner and valid championship contender.

Other notable rookies who began their careers with Sauber include Jean-Christophe Boullion, Norberto Fontana, Esteban Gutiérrez, Felipe Nasr, Antonio Giovinazzi and Zhou Guanyu.

Experience Brings Balance

While Sauber has been a launching pad for young talent, the team has also consistently benefited from the experience of proven drivers. In total, six Grand Prix winners joined Sauber already having won races elsewhere – among them 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve, along with Johnny Herbert, Jean Alesi, Giancarlo Fisichella and, most recently, Valtteri Bottas.

Many others arrived at Sauber after spells with other teams, bringing a wealth of knowledge and perspective. These include JJ Lehto, Karl Wendlinger, Andrea de Cesaris, Nicola Larini, Gianni Morbidelli, Pedro Diniz, Mika Salo, Kamui Kobayashi, Pedro de la Rosa, Marcus Ericsson and Pascal Wehrlein.

Nick Heidfeld: A Lasting Impact

One name deserves special recognition: Nick Heidfeld. Though not a true rookie – he had one year under his belt at Prost – Heidfeld joined Sauber in 2001 and went on to become a cornerstone of the team’s history. After brief spells with Jordan and Williams, he returned in 2006 and enjoyed another extended run with Sauber. Across eight seasons, Heidfeld claimed nine podium finishes, including six second places – a record that reflects both his consistency and his deep connection with the team.