In Imola, Sauber celebrated its 600th Grand Prix, marking a long journey from its F1 inception in 1993, facing various changes in ownership and transitioning to the Audi works team in the following year. Beat Zehnder, the long-serving sporting manager, witnessed the team’s highs and lows, from memorable wins to near-bankruptcy crises. Zehnder, present for every race until Monaco, will now shift to a new role as Director of Signature Programs and Operations, contributing to expanding team facilities and the test squad.
Despite not initially having an interest in motorsports, Zehnder’s storied career began after a twist of fate, applying for a job as a race team mechanic at Sauber following the closure of his previous job working on ship engines. His persistence in securing the position at Sauber reflects his determination to explore the world through motorsports. Joining Sauber during its sportscar era with Mercedes-Benz, Zehnder’s early days at the team were challenging yet rewarding, with a small team of dedicated individuals building cars from scratch and experiencing rapid growth.
As Sauber navigated changes post-Mercedes’ departure to McLaren, Zehnder’s role evolved, culminating in his 33-year tenure at the team before transitioning to a new chapter within the organization. This transition marks a significant turning point for both Zehnder and Sauber, showcasing the enduring legacy of their collaboration in the world of motorsports.