Peter Sauber says goodbye to F1: “They took my name, but they can’t erase my history”. Peter Sauber reflects on the end of the Sauber name in Formula 1 as Audi takes over.

F1 | Peter Sauber: “My name may disappear, but my legacy remains”

The final race for the Sauber team under its historic name took place in Abu Dhabi. It marked the end of an era for the small team, which has now passed the torch to Audi. The German manufacturer is tasked with writing the next chapter in its history, without forgetting the foundation laid by Peter Sauber and his team. We spoke with Peter Sauber during the team’s last appearance under his name. How does he feel at the conclusion of this remarkable journey?

Peter Sauber admitted that the moment is bittersweet. While he regrets that his name will no longer appear on the team, he finds comfort knowing that a major manufacturer like Audi is taking over and will continue to build on what he created. He highlighted that his 55 years in motorsport allowed him to establish a fair, sporting, and honest team, collaborating with giants like BMW, Ferrari, and Mercedes. “My name disappears from the F1 circus, but what I have built over more than five decades remains. They may have removed my name, but they haven’t erased my history,” Sauber explained.

Sauber’s journey began 55 years ago in touring cars, later moving into the World Sportscar Championship with Mercedes, where as a junior team he worked with drivers like Michael Schumacher, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, and Karl Wendlinger. This was followed by a partnership with BMW, which led to the team’s first Formula 1 victory.

“Exactly. Now Audi is here. As you can see, I’ve always had a connection with German manufacturers, but unlike in the past, this time I have handed over everything,” he said.

In the past, after BMW withdrew, Sauber had managed to regain control of the team. Could that happen again?

“That won’t happen for two reasons. First, I’m now 80 years old and not getting any younger. Second, and perhaps more importantly, the valuations of F1 teams today make it impossible for me to buy it back. I simply wouldn’t have the funds, unlike in the past. I think this is the most important point,” he stated.

Despite stepping back from ownership, Peter Sauber confirmed he will continue to attend races in person. “I will still be at the track and I already know which Grands Prix I’ll attend: Barcelona, Monaco, Monza, and I’ve planned Abu Dhabi as the final race of the season. I still enjoy seeing the races live, and I don’t see why I should stay at home or take the dog to the park, even though my wife might prefer that. I love motorsport, so I simply can’t give it up,” he concluded.

The conclusion of the Sauber era in Formula 1 marks a poignant shift from the traditional team spirit to the corporate might of the Audi Revolut F1 Team. While Peter Sauber’s name officially exits the entry list for the 2026 season, his legacy remains deeply embedded in the Hinwil factory and the careers of the many champions he discovered. As the sport enters its next technical revolution, the “fair, sporting, and honest” ethos Peter Sauber championed for over five decades provides the perfect benchmark for Audi’s ambitious future at the pinnacle of motorsport.