Sauber C18 – 1999
Jean Alesi
Sauber Motorsport was founded in 1970 by the Swiss Peter Sauber as a team specialized in endurance racing, alongside the legendary Group C cars. Headquartered in Hinwil, in the canton of Zurich, it made its Formula 1 debut in 1993 with Mercedes-Benz engines, quickly establishing itself as one of the most organized and competitive independent teams. From 1997 onwards, Sauber established a partnership with Petronas, the Malaysian oil group, which financed the supply of Ferrari-technology engines. Without the status or resources of the major factory teams, Sauber distinguished itself through its efficiency in managing available resources and its ability to develop competitive cars within the limitations of an independent project.
The Sauber C18 was designed under the technical direction of Leo Ress for the 1999 season, continuing the development line initiated with the previous year’s C17. It used the Petronas SPE 03A engine, a V10 derived from the previous year’s Ferrari architecture, mated to a seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox. Power was estimated between 780 and 800 horsepower — figures slightly lower than those of the factory engines. The aerodynamic options were functional and adaptable, without major risks or innovations, resulting in a predictable and consistent single-seater, well-suited to Alesi’s driving style, but unable, under normal conditions, to fight for prominent positions.
Jean (Giovanni) Roberto Alesi was born on November 11, 1964, in Montfavet, near Avignon, France, the son of Sicilian immigrants. Formed in the French single-seater categories, he made his Formula 1 debut in 1989 with Tyrrell, where he stood out, especially the following year, in a memorable battle with Senna at the United States Grand Prix, which almost ended in victory. He transferred to Ferrari in 1991, where he stayed for five seasons, becoming an idol for the tifosidespite having only one victory, at the 1995 Canadian GP. He drove for Benetton in 1996 and 1997 before joining Sauber. With a spectacular and combative driving style, Alesi was unanimously respected by colleagues and F1 fans throughout his career.
The 1999 season was marked for Sauber by retirements and few notable results. Alesi achieved only two sixth-place finishes and Pedro Paulo Diniz three sixth places, for a very meager total of five points and eighth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
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Model: Sauber C18
Year: 1999
Country: Switzerland
Power: 790 hp / 16,000 rpm
Displacement: 2998 cc
Weight: 600 kg (w/ driver)
Top Speed: +310 km/h
Engine: Petronas SPE 03A V10 (Ferrari)
Designer: Leo Ress
Best Result: 6th place (five times)