Sauber

Sauber in 2024

Sauber head into 2024 with an entirely new identity. Technically they will be known as ‘Stake F1 Team’ but at the core of them, they are Sauber.

Their title partnership with Alfa Romeo has come to an end, and with two years to wait before Audi’s complete takeover, Stake are a stop-gap. While there’s changes to the team name, Valtteri Bottas remains alongside Zhou Guanyu for a third consecutive season.

Bottas continues to have a clear edge on Zhou in terms of pace, although the Chinese driver has proven to be a capable pair of hands. Both drivers are out of contract at the end of 2024, thus will be under pressure to start the year well.

Sauber's F1 history 

Sauber have a rich history in F1, stretching back to the 1990s. Founded by Peter Sauber, the team made their debut at the 1993 South African Grand Prix. Through the ‘90s and into the 2000s, Sauber were a solid, midfield outfit, often punching above its weight.

It wasn’t until 2006 when they joined forces with German car giant BMW they took a crucial step forward. Fifth in the constructors’ championship in 2006 was soon followed by second in 2007.

Robert Kubica claimed the team’s first and only victory at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix. At this stage of the 2008 season, Kubica was in title contention with Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton but BMW - mistakenly, decided to focus their attention on 2009 and the major rule changes.

It proved to be a disastrous decision as Kubica dropped off to ultimately finish fourth, while BMW struggled in 2009. They eventually pulled out at the end of the season, meaning the team became Sauber again for 2010.

The 2010s were up and down for the team as Monisha Kaltenborn took over from Sauber as CEO. Financial trouble left the team on the brink, with controversy surrounding it at the start of 2015 with four drivers contracted to drive for Sauber.

Longbow Finance effectively saved the team in 2016, headed by Swedish investor Finn Rausing. Alfa Romeo became the team’s title sponsor from 2019, with their best finish coming in 2022 - securing sixth overall (their best since 2012).