The iconic Swiss Formula 1 racing team Sauber, started by Peter Sauber in his parents’ cellar, will from this season race under the name Alfa Romeo Racing. It ends a 48-year history of motor racing cars bearing their founder’s name.
Boss Frédéric Vasseur said on Friday that it would change its name from Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team, under which cars raced in 2018. However, the team will remain headquartered in Hinwil, near Zurich, which is also home to a wind tunnel that tests aerodynamics of cars.
Peter Sauber built his first racing car in 1970 and his designs competed in hill climbing and World Sportscar Championship events until graduating to Formula 1 in 1993.
At the end of 2005, BMW bought a majority stake in the team, renaming it BMW Sauber. Speaking to swissinfo.ch at the time, Sauber said how important it was for the team to retain his name. “I am very happy, not just for me but also for people here, our fans in Switzerland and the Swiss media. I never asked BMW to keep the name – it was their decision.”
The alliance only lasted three years, after which Sauber took over the helm once again until teaming up with Alpha Romeo for the start of the 2018 season.
Back in 2006, Sauber said he was reconciled to money dominating the business of racing. “To say it’s sad is a romantic way of looking at things and there is no space for romance in the business world.”
Popular Stories
More
Multinational companies
Azeri fossil-fuel cash cow brings controversy to Switzerland
Swiss price watchdog slams excessive prices for generic medicines
This content was published on
The cheapest generic medicines available in Switzerland are more than twice as expensive as in other countries, according to a study by the Swiss price watchdog.
Nature should not figure in net zero calculations: academic study
This content was published on
The natural removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by forests or oceans should not be included in the net-zero balance of climate protection measures, argue researchers.
This content was published on
None of the 15 major Swiss retail banks is meeting international climate and biodiversity targets, according to a ranking by WWF Switzerland.
This content was published on
Nestlé's new CEO Laurent Freixe, has presented plans for the future of the world's largest food company, after his first few weeks in office.
Swiss foreign minister calls on Moscow to end Ukraine war
This content was published on
It's high time Moscow ended its war against Ukraine, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis tells the UN Security Council.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Sauber reflects on Mission Impossible dream
This content was published on
Sauber’s dream had a peculiar start in the basement of his parents’ house, but blossomed into a fully-fledged F1 operation complete with wind tunnel in Hinwil, near Zurich, which opened in 2004. Sauber has decided to bow out at the top at the age of 62 after 36 years of racing and 12 seasons in…
This content was published on
The foundation, representing unnamed Middle East interests, expects to compete next season despite losing a guaranteed slot. BMW said the sale secured a strong investor for the Swiss-based team. It added that Qadbak’s interests would be represented by a Swiss national, Lionel Fischer. Munich-based BMW put the team up for sale after announcing in July…
This content was published on
Sauber, who was one of 18 nominees on Saturday, was rewarded for his influence at the highest level of motor racing. The 62-year-old businessman finished in front of world motorcycling champion Thomas Lüthi and figure skating world champion Stéphane Lambiel. Last year the prize went to Lotti Latrous, who founded an Aids hospice in Ivory…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.