BMW Sauber

Despite having provided the Williams F1 with competitive power units since the turn of the millennium, relations between BMW and Williams broke down during the 2005 season, provoking BMW into purchasing Swiss team Sauber to form their own works team: the BMW Sauber F1 Team. Lasting from 2006 until 2009, BMW’s presence improved the Sauber team’s competitiveness. Two podium finishes in their debut season set the benchmark, whilst two more podiums and regular high points finishes earned BMW Sauber second place in the 2007 Constructors’ Championship after McLaren’s disqualification. The team scored more points in 2008, finishing the season with ten podiums and their only victory, the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix. Despite having a relative chance of claiming a Drivers’ or Constructors’ title, the team switched its focus to the development of its car for the 2009 season. This chassis would prove uncompetitive and, after a disappointing season, BMW announced they would be selling the team back to former owner Peter Sauber. Overall, BMW Sauber scored one race victory, 17 podium, one pole position, two fastest laps and 308 points over 70 races in the four seasons of their existence.