An Emotional Farewell: Peter Sauber Watches the Final F1 Race Under His Name

In the glimmering floodlights of the Yas Marina Circuit, as engines roared for the final time under a historic badge, an 82-year-old man stood quietly in the garage — witnessing the end of an era.

Peter Sauber, founder of Sauber F1 Team, watched on with his wife Christiane as their beloved team raced the final laps bearing the “Sauber” name.

For more than three decades, the Swiss privateer outfit — born from Sauber’s own vision and determination — had been a constant presence in Formula 1, often against overwhelming odds.

Now, after the 2025 season finale, the name disappears from the grid, to be replaced by a new chapter: the team will become the factory entry of Audi in 2026.

A Farewell Fit for History

The final car — Kick Sauber C45 — had been unveiled earlier this year in bold black and fluorescent green livery, a sharp, modern look that symbolized renewed ambition.

But more than just style, the C45 represented the culmination of years of evolution, struggle, and modest resurgence. In 2025 the team climbed from the bottom and delivered results that would have been unthinkable a few seasons ago. Their campaign ended with 70 Constructors’ Championship points — a 66-point improvement on the previous year.

Among the season’s highlights was a sensational moment at the 2025 British Grand Prix, when driver Nico Hülkenberg, starting 19th on the grid, carved his way to a remarkable third place — the team’s first podium in 13 years.

A Garage Full of History

As the grid rolled out on Sunday, and the C45s took their final formation laps, there was something deeply symbolic in having Peter Sauber — and Christiane — present in the garage. For them, this was more than a race: it was the final chapter of a dream that began in the early 1990s.

Sauber later revealed a fascinating “what-if” from around 20 years ago: the legendary Lewis Hamilton almost began his F1 career with Sauber, not McLaren — but only if the loan agreement had lasted two years instead of one. That deal fell through, and Hamilton’s path took a different route.

Legacy, Not Goodbye

The transition isn’t just a name-change — it’s a turning of the page. New leadership under Jonathan Wheatley and full backing from Audi aim to build on the recent upswing. But for many, this final Sauber race — with founder present in the garage, the C45 livery glistening under lights, and a respectable points tally — felt like the proper end to a storied chapter in F1.

As the chequered flag waved and engines wound down, fans and insiders alike paused — paying respect to the grit, passion, and spirit that sustained Sauber all these years. The name may be gone from tomorrow’s grids, but the legacy of Peter Sauber and his team will live on.