Sauber's various partners in Formula 1

In 2026, Audi will be added to the list of Sauber partners in Formula 1. From Ilmor to Ferrari, the Swiss team has in fact joined forces with several manufacturers over the seasons to ensure its existence in the premier discipline of motorsport.

Ilmor then Mercedes (1993-1994)

JJ Lehto driving the Sauber C12 during the 1993 San Marino GP (DPPI)

Financially supported by Mercedes for its first season in Formula 1, the Swiss team officially equips its black single-seaters with engines from the British manufacturer Ilmor. The company was bought with 10% by the German firm and the V10s installed in the new C13s from 1994 were therefore rebadged as Mercedes-Benz for the 1994 season. 

Ford-Cosworth (1995-1996)

Heinz-Harald Frentzen during the 1995 British GP (Photo: DR)

At the end of 1994, Mercedes left for the heyday of Mclaren racing. The British team has just separated from its engine manufacturer Peugeot and the German firm does not wish to supply several teams at once. The Sauber C14 then found itself equipped with a Ford Zetec R-EC, derived from the 1994 world champion block with Michael Schumacher and Benetton. The Anglo-American engine manufacturer is ending this collaboration after two years, preferring Stewart Grand Prix. 

Petronas (1997-2005)

Jean Alesi driving the Sauber C17 during the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix (DPPI)

It was towards Ferrari that Peter Sauber turned from 1997. The prices asked by the Italian firm were high and the Swiss structure then relied on its sponsor Petronas. The Italian blocks are therefore badged with the name of the Malaysian company until 2005.

BMW (2006-2010)

Robert Kubica with BMW-Sauber at the 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix (DPPI)

Long-time sponsor of Sauber, Red Bull decided to strike out on its own in 2005 by acquiring Jaguar Racing, then Minardi the following season. Peter Sauber then looked for a buyer on condition of retaining the site. Hinwil (Switzerland) and employees. This is how the team becomes BMW Sauber F1 Team. The German manufacturer arrived as a factory chassis and engine team before withdrawing in 2009 with only one victory on the clock, that of Robert Kubica at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix.

Ferrari (2010-2025)

Charles Leclerc before Sebastian Vettel at the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix (Photo Eric Vargiolu / DPPI)

Peter Sauber bought his old team, but the official name remained BMW Sauber F1 Team for the 2010 season. The team took over a Swiss license and once again called on Ferrari as engine manufacturer. This time, the name of the Italian manufacturer is well linked to Sauber. In 2018, Sauber announced the signing of a multi-year contract with Alfa Romeo. The team officially becomes Alfa Romeo Racing from 2019, but Sauber remains the official manufacturer. 

This Wednesday, Sauber formalized Audi as a future partner. To see the famous rings of the Ingolstadt (Germany) firm appear on the engine hood of a car from Hinwil, it will however be necessary to wait until 2026 since, until then, Sauber will continue to be the strong arm of Alfa-Romeo in 2023, before lining up under its own name in 2024 and 2025, engine contract Ferrari obliged. Contract extended until the end of the 2025 financial year.

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