Peter Sauber Says Lewis Hamilton Nearly Started F1 Career at Sauber

Overview

• Sauber told Swiss outlet Blick that McLaren discussed placing Hamilton at Hinwil roughly two decades ago.
• He recalled a meeting at Kloten Airport with Hamilton and his father alongside McLaren representatives and Sauber lawyer Monisha Kaltenborn.
• According to Sauber, negotiations collapsed because McLaren offered only a one‑year loan while Sauber sought a two‑year term.
• Hamilton instead debuted with McLaren, winning four races in 2007 and taking his first world title in 2008.
• The claim surfaces as the Hinwil squad, long known for launching talents such as Räikkönen and Kubica, transitions into Audi’s 2026 works team, and independent corroboration remains limited.