Dec.7 (GMM) Peter Sauber and his wife Christiane – the ‘C’ behind every Sauber chassis name for three decades – have travelled to Abu Dhabi for one final goodbye to the team that will disappear forever at the end of Sunday’s race.
From 2026, Sauber becomes Audi. And as Blick reports, the 82-year-old founder wanted to see the last laps of a Sauber-badged car – the C45 – in person, alongside the woman whose initial has been carried by every machine since 1993.
But the real headline came over apple pie.
Sauber told Blick that seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton very nearly began his F1 career not with McLaren, but with Sauber.
“Hardly anyone knows that around 20 years ago, Lewis Hamilton almost drove for us,” the Swiss revealed. “He belonged to McLaren, and they wanted to send him to Hinwil for his Formula 1 apprenticeship.”
A meeting was arranged at Zurich’s Kloten Airport – Hamilton, his father and then-manager Anthony, Peter Sauber, and Sauber lawyer Monisha Kaltenborn.
“The deal fell through because McLaren only wanted to loan him for one year – but we insisted on two,” Sauber said.
Hamilton instead debuted directly for McLaren in 2007, finishing on the podium nine times in his first nine races and winning three grands prix and almost the title.
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
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Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
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Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
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