The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, scheduled for this weekend, will not only be the first of two 2025 championship rounds held in Italy but also a major milestone in Sauber’s history. The Swiss team will celebrate its 600th Grand Prix, a journey marked by both difficult times (like the current one, with the team sitting last in the Constructors’ standings after six races) and moments of joy, including one historic victory.
That win dates back to 2008, when Robert Kubica (the only Polish driver to win in F1) triumphed at the Canadian Grand Prix driving the BMW Sauber. In 2006, the team had sold a majority stake to the Bavarian manufacturer but retained its name. Alongside the partnership with BMW, Sauber also had a more recent collaboration with Alfa Romeo, before returning under its own name last season. Since its debut in 1993, the team has achieved a total of 27 podium finishes.
The Imola weekend in Italy won’t just be the scene of Sauber’s celebrations, but also the opening round of the European season, a point appreciated by Nico Hülkenberg—so far the only driver to score points for the team: “I like Imola – fast, narrow, and demanding – and I’m happy the European season begins with another tough triple-header. This year we’ve shown good pace, and now it’s about achieving consistency throughout the weekend. Every session counts, and we must keep improving, making the most of every opportunity.”
A comment about the track also came from Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto who, unlike some of the earlier circuits this year, is already familiar with Imola: “Imola is a track I’ve raced on in other categories, but stepping up to Formula One is a whole different challenge. It’s definitely one of my favorite tracks: it flows well and the challenge excites me. It’s a place that demands total focus – every corner matters. This weekend I’ll concentrate on what we’ve learned so far, stay sharp, and look for those extra tenths. I’m ready to push hard and aim for a strong result for the team.”
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