Gabriel Bortoleto approaches the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix with cautious optimism, as Kick Sauber prepares to introduce key car upgrades at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The Brazilian rookie has faced a steep learning curve so far in his Formula 1 career, but the team’s second significant upgrade of the season aims to boost their competitiveness on one of the sport’s most demanding tracks.
Kick Sauber Targets Performance Gains with Front-Wing Update Ahead of Barcelona
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya offers an ideal setting for Sauber’s latest aerodynamic improvements, due to its technical nature and flowing corners. Kick Sauber is unveiling a revised front wing designed specifically to address the balance and handling issues that have limited the C45 this season. These upgrades are critical as the FIA enforces a stricter front wing flapping limit, reducing the allowable movement from 15 mm to 10 mm starting with the Spanish GP.
Bortoleto acknowledges the challenge and opportunity that the new parts bring, stating,
“I’m looking forward to Barcelona. It’s a track I have raced on a few times already in junior categories, and I know what to expect from it… We have got some upgrades coming for this round, so the focus will be on getting familiar with them right away, while keep working on the car and its set-up, in order to improve our qualifying and race position.”
The Brazilian’s focus is on leveraging these developments to enhance both qualifying and race pace.
Kick Sauber’s team principal, Jonathan Wheatley, emphasized the importance of Barcelona in assessing the upgrades:
“Barcelona marks a return to competitive racing at a circuit where aero performance is paramount, so we should see the impact of the new front wing regulations… Barcelona should give us a clear picture of how our new upgrade package will affect our competitiveness. The team has been working hard back home in Hinwil and our focus is on getting familiar with the new parts with a view to putting ourselves in a more consistently competitive position heading into the next phase of the season.”
With aerodynamic efficiency crucial on this 4.657 km track, Sauber hopes to improve its grip and handling through sectors two and three, areas previously challenging for the team.
Bortoleto Reflects on Challenges and Looks to Barcelona for Progress
Despite showing flashes of promise by outqualifying teammate Nico Hülkenberg three times and advancing to Q2 on two occasions, Gabriel Bortoleto has yet to score points or secure a top-10 finish. His best race results so far have been 14th place at China and Monaco, reflecting both the limitations of the car and the fierce competition in midfield. His rookie campaign continues to be marked by the learning experience of racing in Formula 1.
Sauber’s development path was evident in Monaco, where targeted updates were introduced to optimize brake cooling with a twin-element front brake outlet and a revised suspension setup adapted for the street circuit’s tight corners. These improvements enhanced traction and tire management but were insufficient to overcome the inherent pace deficits during race conditions. Bortoleto commented on Monaco’s difficulties, saying,
“Monaco was a rather challenging one, but we have taken the lessons from the weekend and moved onto a new race week, the last one of a busy triple header.”
These challenges set the stage for a fresh start in Spain, where the focus shifts to sustained race performance.
Spanish GP’s Circuit Demands and Strategic Importance for Sauber
The Spanish Grand Prix will be a test of endurance with 66 laps totaling over 307 kilometers, featuring two DRS zones that encourage overtaking – one on the main straight and another approaching Turn 10. This contrasts with Monaco’s limited passing opportunities and emphasizes the value of qualifying, though it is less decisive than in Monaco. Barcelona’s flowing corners and longer straights place a premium on aerodynamic stability and efficient car balance, areas where Sauber aims to show progress.
For Bortoleto, the goal at Barcelona is clear: translate his qualifying improvements into stronger race finishes while adapting quickly to the new upgrades in open-track conditions. The Brazilian driver is determined to make a breakthrough performance in front of a passionate Spanish crowd, fueling his hope that these car developments will be the catalyst needed to elevate his and the team’s position on the grid.
Current Standings and the Path Forward for Kick Sauber
Currently, Sauber sits at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship with six points, all earned by Nico Hülkenberg at the Australian GP opener. Though the team has struggled, Bortoleto has gained the support of his experienced teammate and the confidence of the team principal as they push forward together. The Barcelona weekend is critical for assessing whether the latest upgrades enable the team to consistently challenge midfield rivals and build momentum into the mid-season phase.
With the technical directive lowering front wing flapping limits and the specific aerodynamic demands of the Spanish track, Kick Sauber’s efforts to refine their package could set a new competitive baseline. Gabriel Bortoleto’s promising glimpses of pace and his readiness to adapt will be key factors as the team looks to reverse its fortunes and close the gap in this intensely competitive rookie season.
