Legendary former Formula 1 team owner Peter Sauber has revealed that he almost signed Lewis Hamilton at the very start of the Briton’s racing career, a move that could have dramatically altered F1 history. The admission sheds new light on how close Hamilton came to joining a very different team before his rise to superstardom.
Sauber explained that Hamilton was already clearly marked out as an exceptional talent during his junior years, attracting attention from several teams across the paddock. At the time, Sauber’s outfit was known for giving young drivers their first real opportunity in Formula 1, making the near-miss all the more significant.
Despite serious consideration, the deal never came together, and Hamilton ultimately followed a different path that led him to instant success upon his F1 debut. That decision would go on to shape one of the most remarkable careers the sport has ever seen, including multiple world championships and countless records.
Sauber reflected on the moment as one of the great “what ifs” of his long involvement in the sport, acknowledging that circumstances and timing ultimately worked against the potential signing. He suggested that the team simply could not compete with the opportunities Hamilton was being offered elsewhere.
The revelation comes as Sauber’s name officially exits Formula 1, with the team now preparing to become Audi’s full works entry from the 2026 season. As one era closes, Sauber’s comments serve as a reminder of the pivotal decisions that can change the course of F1 history.
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