Sauber F1 team loses Swiss family name

Sauber has had various F1 liveries over the years, but for the first time will no longer have the Sauber name. Keystone

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.

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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.”