Peter Sauber rethinking retirement plans
Jun.29 (GMM) Peter Sauber has backtracked slightly, having set the scene for his retirement.
The Swiss team's founder and boss has said numerous times over the last couple of years that "I don't want to be sitting on the pitwall with my headphones on at 70".
Before the 2012 season is out, he will turn 69.
He has now laid the foundation for Sauber's future beyond him, handing over a third of the team to future team boss Monisha Kaltenborn, and installing his son Alex as a prominent director.
"I'm going to stay at least until we are able to stabilise the team in a financial sense," Peter Sauber said last year.
"I want to lead the team back into a secure position and establish it at a good level. If I succeed, my mission is fulfilled."
In the wake of BMW's shock departure, that time has arguably now arrived, with Sergio Perez bringing solid backing from Mexico and now regularly standing on the podium with the competitive C31 car.
But Peter Sauber could be backtracking.
When told about his age-of-70 retirement deadline, Sauber said on Austrian television Servus TV: "The exact date is still unclear."
He indicated he has thought about the rigours of retirement, and might prefer life in the fast lane after all.
"To watch the races only on television is the worst thing of all," Sauber smiled.
Share Or Save This Story
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Pirelli chief calls for radical F1 overhaul
Bahrain GP: Friday press conference
Australian GP: Friday press conference
Fernando Alonso's next move may not be what you think
You Ask The Questions: Robert Kubica
Lewis Hamilton 'almost signed for Sauber' before F1 debut, says Peter Sauber
F1 2025 season highlights: Fans crown Nico Hulkenberg's podium and Lando Norris's title as top moments
BMW’s ascent from an also-ran to WEC title contender
The best drives of the 2026 F1 season so far, according to our writers
Dale Earnhardt's grandson Wyatt Miller flips wildly in crash, but drives away
Denny Hamlin breaks down pit struggles that cost No. 11 team
Could McLaren follow Red Bull’s path with its own F1 engine – and should it?
Top 10 rookie seasons in F1
Why F1 shouldn’t be hiding its most interesting characters
100 not out: Alex Albon on Williams’s desire to atone for its 2026 struggles
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments