Category Formula One Designer(s) Leo Ress Successor Sauber C16 | Constructor Sauber Predecessor Sauber C14 | |
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Chassis carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite structure | ||
The Sauber C15 was the car with which the Sauber team competed in the 1996 Formula One season. It was driven by Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who was in his third season with the team, and Johnny Herbert, who moved from Benetton.
After an encouraging performance in 1995 with a Ford V8 engine, 1996 proved frustrating as Sauber developed the troublesome Zetec-R V10. Problems with the new unit's power delivery resulted in the team scoring only 11 points, despite the theoretical power advantage over a V8.
The drivers proved well-matched, with Frentzen having a slight edge over Herbert. However, the German left the team at the end of the year to join champions Williams for 1997. The team's second podium finish since its F1 début in 1993 was scored by Herbert at the chaotic 1996 Monaco Grand Prix, with Frentzen in fourth. Heinz-Harald scored further points at Catalunya and Suzuka.
The team eventually finished seventh in the Constructors' Championship, with 11 points.
Complete Formula One results
(key) (results in bold indicate pole position)