Sauber opens up on one of F1’s biggest ‘what-ifs’ with Hamilton admission

18:29, 25 Dec

bySamson Ero

Peter Sauber has revealed what could go down as one of Formula 1’s biggest “what ifs” after he disclosed that his team came close to signing Lewis Hamilton ahead of the 2007 season.

“Hardly anyone knows that around 20 years ago, Lewis Hamilton almost drove for us.”

- Peter Sauber

The retired Swiss motorsport chief, who finally drew the curtain on his involvement in F1 at the end of the 2025 season, took to the media to reflect on some of his experiences and encounters that began in 1993.

Among the many memories recounted by the 82-year-old was his team coming close to signing Hamilton. Reflecting on the incidents that transpired, Sauber, in an interview with Blick, revealed:

“Hardly anyone knows that around 20 years ago, Lewis Hamilton almost drove for us. The Briton belonged to McLaren, and they wanted to send him to Hinwil for his Formula 1 apprenticeship. So the McLaren delegation met with Lewis and his father, as well as our in-house lawyer Monisha Kaltenborn and myself, at Kloten Airport.”

Peter Sauber with his wife, Christiane Sauber - Photo: Race Pictures

Explaining why a deal for Hamilton failed to materialise, he continued:

“The deal fell through because McLaren only wanted to loan him for one year – but we insisted on two!”

The failed move for Hamilton, which resulted in him staying at McLaren, set the stage for one of the most decorated drivers' careers F1 has ever witnessed.

The British driver secured multiple race victories in his debut season before going on to clinch a drivers’ championship the following year. Hamilton would go on to add another six titles to his collection after switching to Mercedes in 2013.

Vasseur admits key Ferrari failure behind Hamilton’s struggle

Scuderia Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur pointed to a major team failure behind Lewis Hamilton’s struggles at the Ferrari outfit.

The French motorsport chief stressed how the team underestimated the British driver’s adaptation but assured that a much-improved showing is expected in 2026.

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