P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Shock Sauber F1 move for Hamilton revealed
Peter Sauber, founder of the Sauber F1 team, disclosed that Lewis Hamilton was close to signing with the team, potentially altering the course of Formula 1.
Hamilton’s success in the 2006 F2 championship had McLaren eyeing him for a race seat, although uncertainties arose due to Fernando Alonso’s signing and competition from Gary Paffett.
Following Juan Montoya’s departure in 2006, McLaren considered loaning Hamilton to Sauber for a season or two, a deal that fell through over loan duration disagreements.
Despite missing out on Hamilton, McLaren’s decision allowed him to race alongside Alonso and eventually win the championship in his second season.
Succeeding as BMW Sauber, the team achieved second in the constructors’ championship in 2007 before transitioning to Audi ownership in 2026, marking the end of the Sauber era.
