Sauber Maintains Links with BMW as Team Eyes Future Opportunities
Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn confirms ongoing contact with BMW, reflecting on the team's past partnership and openness to renewed collaboration if circumstances change.
Sauber continues to keep communication channels open with former owner and works partner BMW, according to team principal Monisha Kaltenborn. The Swiss Formula One outfit, which raced as BMW-Sauber from 2006 to 2009, maintains a cordial relationship with the German manufacturer despite BMW’s exit from the sport at the end of 2009.
Kaltenborn, who co-owns and leads the Hinwil-based team, said Sauber’s experience as BMW’s majority-owned platform proved the team can make rapid progress if provided with adequate funding. She pointed out that even during the works partnership, the number of BMW-specific staff at Sauber’s facility was limited, underlining the team’s ability to adapt and perform with its own resources. The 2008 Canadian Grand Prix win remains the high point of the collaboration.
Sauber’s Position and BMW’s F1 Prospects
Since regaining independence, Sauber has struggled to secure the resources needed to challenge consistently at the front. Kaltenborn made clear that while the team remains ready to capitalise on any increase in budget, persuading BMW to return is not on the agenda. She said BMW understands its own objectives and Sauber respects that, but the personal connections remain strong.
Kaltenborn did not rule out the possibility of BMW returning to Formula One in the future, though she emphasised that any such move would be entirely on BMW’s terms. For now, Sauber’s focus remains on maximising its current resources and staying competitive in the midfield. For more on Sauber’s recent financial challenges, seeSauber boss seeks new backer as financial crisis deepens.
