Sauber: “Beat Zehnder is a godsend for the company”

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It goes without saying that sports director Zehnder already had offers from the world federation FIA (just like from Red Bull). But he remains connected to the Zurich Oberland. Loyalty is the magic word for the man who grows old here in Melbourne after 550 Formula 1 races.

I just missed a workout

An anniversary of which Zehnder can be particularly proud. He has only missed one practice session since the Hinwiler took part in the South African GP in March 1993. “In Monza 2008 – for personal reasons.”

Zehnder doesn’t like being the center of attention, but he enjoys the racing atmosphere, the often deep friendship with the drivers – and always suffers in the pits. So far, the Swiss team has collected 1002 championship points. His birthday wish is clear: “To finish in the top 10 on Sunday. But that will become increasingly difficult in 2023.” Of course Canada’s double victory in 2008 with BMW-Sauber (Kubica for Heidfeld) will not be forgotten.

First celebrations in 1989 in Le Mans

Actually, Zehnder had nothing to do with motorsport. “Yeah, I wasn’t interested at all at first,” Beat laughs. He came from shipbuilding. Peter Sauber (79) recalls: “When he contacted us, we didn’t agree at all about what he wanted.” Only the second conversation ended with a contract as a mechanic. Sauber quickly realized that this man had a lot of potential. In 1989 Zehnder played a major role in the legendary double victory of the Sauber cars at Le Mans.

«Company always in view»

When Sauber then embarked on the adventure in the Formula 1 shark tank, Zehnder was already chief mechanic. And 24 races later team manager. His organizational and logistical skills have often helped the people of Hinwil out of trouble.

“The focus is always on the business,” said Zehnder and, with his knowledge, has accompanied all team bosses from Peter Sauber to Mario Theissen, Monisha Kaltenborn and Frédéric Vasseur to Andreas Seidl. They all knew you could count on Beat. «A faithful man who has been through all the ups and downs. One always remained – and that is not self-evident these days,” Peter Sauber praised him from long before the one-off anniversary.

Stress leaves traces

And it’s just an unconfirmed legend that in the darkest Hinwil story ever, Zehnder even paid the hotel bill for the entire team. There is no such thing as a greater bond with an employer.

Zehnder will also be running its 550th World Cup race – outwardly calm. But the stress (especially at home in the factory and when travelling) has of course affected his health somewhat. As a result, a transfer within Formula 1 is now impossible.

Three bosses and marriage

The new CEO Seidl (47) recognized the skills of his first engagement in Hinwil. The German recently appointed sports director Zehnder as his three ‘bosses’ on the circuit, alongside company lawyer and team representative Bravi and chief engineer Pujolar. Sole team boss would not have been an option for the jack of all trades: “I don’t want to burden myself and my wife Nadine any more.” Zehnder has been married to the art director from Valais since December 31, 2005.

Source : Blick