AUTOSPORT Awards: Peter Sauber wins John Bolster Award

The Sauber squad has been an F1 mainstay since Peter first entered in 1993, and he has been instrumental in guiding and shaping its fortunes, even during his squad's period of BMW ownership from 2005-09.

Sauber regained ownership of the team in 2010 and this year it has enjoyed one of its strongest season, finishing a close sixth in the constructors' standings.

In the hands of Sergio Perez, Sauber also came close to claiming its breakthrough win in Malaysia, missing out eventually by just 2.263 seconds.

In May Peter initiated a process of stepping away from the team when he transferred a one-third stake to CEO Monisha Kaltenborn, his designated successor. Kaltenborn was promoted to team principal in October, with Peter stepping back but remaining president of the Sauber Group's board of directors.

Sauber, who was presented with his award by legendary F1 commentator Murray Walker, said: "I'm very surprised; this is a great honour for me.

"To stay in Formula 1 for 20 years is not easy. I think Robert Kubica's victory in 2008 [in Canada] and finishing second in the constructors' championship in 2007, are my proudest moments."

His involvement in motor racing stretches back far further than F1. From the humble base of his parents' basement, where he constructed his first hillclimb chassis (dubbed the C1), Sauber's talent flourished and he quickly began to establish not only on-track success but also a steady customer base.

In 1975 Sauber constructed his first aluminium car, the C4, although only one was ever built. Its successor, the C5, was powered by a 2-litre BMW engine and met with great success, winning the 1976 Interserie title. In 1977 and '78 Sauber entered the car for the Le Mans 24 Hours, and on both occasions the car led its class before retiring.

Sauber prepared Lola's Formula 2 chassis the following year, with Max Welti - a future Sauber team manager - part of a 1-2-4 result in the drivers' championship.

In 1981, and with Welti driving, Sauber's tuned BMW M1 won the Nurburgring 1000km. Sportscars soon called once more and the C6 was created, the first car Sauber built to be windtunnel tested.

In 1985 the team's relationship with Mercedes began, a remarkable partnership that culminated in the all-conquering C11.

This car won seven of its 12 races and claimed the 1990 World Sportscar Championship drivers' and constructors' crowns. The Mercedes partnership also played a part in launching the international careers of, among others, Michael Schumacher and Karl Wendlinger.

Mercedes helped to fund a vast new factory in Hinwil, but when Sauber moved into F1 in '93 it opted against direct involvement. Sauber therefore entered under his own banner, and with drivers JJ Lehto and Wendlinger. When Mercedes later partnered with McLaren, Sauber became the Ford works team in 1995, before agreeing a deal with Petronas and deciding to use Ferrari engines.

Despite never being one of the big spenders Sauber's F1 team has not been short of success, notably finishing fourth in the constructors' championship in 2001 and fifth a year later. This year it was sixth, just 16 points behind Mercedes.