Team Information
| Full Name | Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber |
|---|---|
| Base | Hinwil, Switzerland |
| Team Principal | Mattia Binotto |
| Engine | Ferrari (2025) / Audi (2026) |
| Chassis | C45 (2026) |
| Founded | 1993 (in F1) |
| Constructors’ Titles | 0 |
Team History
Sauber is one of the longest-serving independent teams in Formula 1, with roots stretching back to the Swiss motorsport scene of the 1970s. Peter Sauber founded his racing team in 1970, initially competing in sportscars. The team enjoyed considerable success in endurance racing, most notably winning the 1989 World Sportscar Championship with Mercedes-Benz. This partnership paved the way for Sauber’s entry into Formula 1 in 1993, and while the team never had the budget of the front-runners, they quickly established themselves as a respected and well-run midfield operation.
The team’s early F1 years featured notable drivers including Karl Wendlinger, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, and Johnny Herbert. A partnership with Ferrari engines in the late 1990s brought improved competitiveness, and the team became known for discovering and developing raw talent. Kimi Räikkönen made his F1 debut with Sauber in 2001, going on to become World Champion with Ferrari just six years later. Felipe Massa and Robert Kubica also cut their teeth at the Hinwil factory before graduating to top teams.
BMW purchased the team in 2006 and rebranded it as BMW Sauber. Kubica delivered a famous victory at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix, and the team briefly led the championship that season. However, BMW withdrew from F1 at the end of 2009 amid the global financial crisis, and Peter Sauber reacquired the team. Under the Sauber name once more, the team continued to operate as a competitive independent, with drivers such as Sergio Pérez, Esteban Gutiérrez, and Charles Leclerc all spending formative seasons there.
The most significant chapter in Sauber’s recent history began in 2022 when Audi announced they would enter Formula 1 as a works team by purchasing a controlling stake in the Sauber operation. Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto was appointed to lead the transition, overseeing a massive investment in people, infrastructure, and technology. The 2026 season marks the official arrival of Audi power, with Nico Hülkenberg providing experience and Brazilian talent Gabriel Bortoleto bringing youthful energy. The Hinwil factory is being transformed into a state-of-the-art operation worthy of one of the automotive world’s most prestigious brands.
Championship Record & Notable Achievements
- Constructors’ Championships: 0
- Best Constructors’ Finish: 2nd (as BMW Sauber, 2007)
- Race Victories: 1 (Kubica, Canadian GP 2008 as BMW Sauber)
- Talent Factory: Launched careers of Räikkönen, Massa, Kubica, Leclerc, Pérez
- Sportscar Heritage: 1989 World Sportscar Championship with Mercedes
- Audi Takeover: Full works Audi power unit from 2026
- Notable Drivers: Kimi Räikkönen, Robert Kubica, Felipe Massa, Charles Leclerc, Sergio Pérez
How to Watch Sauber
Follow Sauber throughout the 2026 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports F1, with highlights available on Channel 4. Every practice session, qualifying, sprint, and race is covered across the season’s 24-round calendar.
For the complete broadcast schedule including session times, streaming options on Sky Go and NOW TV, and free-to-air coverage details, visit our dedicated F1 TV schedule page.
View Full TV Schedule →