For PETRONAS, this was the simplest way to get noticed, to acquire technology and to enrich capabilities all at the same time. May 1995 marked the inauguration of the national oil company into F1 when PETRONAS became the engine supplier for the Red Bull Sauber PETRONAS Team. After eight years of topline racing involvement, PETRONAS have seen the team, now called Team Sauber PETRONAS, transform from an underdog to a serious title contender it is today.

Formed by Team Principle Peter Sauber in 1970, the team today is a modern establishment with state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated staff. As a Swiss entrepreneur who had a passion for the technical side of cars, Peter Sauber began building competitive racing machines in 1969. Sauber joined the racing elites of F1 in 1993 without proper backings from anybody. Young charges Nick Heidfeld and Kimi Raikkonen brought home the team’s best silverware in 2001 when they steered to fourth overall in the Constructors’ Championship.

“If I have seen further than others, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants,” Sir Isaac Newton once said. PETRONAS may be a giant by local standard, but it is still a mere youngster by international benchmark. There are many more to learn, but so little time, and Formula One waits for nobody.