Sauber’s Formula 1 team is showing remarkable improvement in 2025, driven by significant upgrades and strong performances from drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. After enduring one of their worst seasons in 2024, the Swiss outfit is now climbing the standings, signaling the effectiveness of their recent technical changes and driver lineup.
In 2024, Sauber struggled profoundly, accumulating just four points and finishing last in the constructors‘ championship. As a result, both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu were released from the team.
Now midway through 2025, Sauber, amid its transition to become part of Audi’s operation, has collected 51 points after 14 races and currently holds seventh place in the constructors’ standings. This upturn has been attributed to both improved car performance and driver confidence.
Technical Challenges and Key Upgrades Behind Sauber’s Progress
James Key, Sauber’s Technical Director, shed light on the team’s journey in an interview with the German publication Auto Motor und Sport. He revealed that throughout 2024, the Hinwil factory’s lack of precise measuring equipment limited the team’s understanding of their car’s issues.
Key noted that although improvements began to appear late in 2024, the team still faced hurdles at the start of 2025. Limited access to advanced technologies such as PIV (particle image velocimetry) in the wind tunnel slowed their progress.
An important turning point came when the team postponed the major upgrade package from the Imola Grand Prix to Barcelona. This decision paid off significantly as the performance gains exceeded their initial expectations.
“It was already clear that we were on the right track to solving our problems. It just took a long time,” said Key.
“We got double what we expected from the downforce gain, which was very good on the racetrack,” he added.
Following the Barcelona upgrades, Sauber reached the performance level they had hoped to have at the start of the season, allowing the team’s car to become more competitive on track.
Drivers’ Growing Confidence in the Sauber C45 Car
Key highlighted the boost in confidence among Sauber’s drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, due to the upgraded car’s enhanced stability and consistency. He confirmed that improvements to the C45 have allowed the drivers to push harder during races.
“Because the car is now so consistent and stable, the drivers simply have more confidence. They feel like they can do anything with it,” said Key.
Since Spain, Hulkenberg has scored points in every race, including a career-first podium at the British Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Bortoleto notched his maiden points finish at the Austrian Grand Prix and has regularly been near the top 10 since then, showing strong promise for his rookie season.
The Role of Simulator Technology in Performance Gains
Despite the on-track progress, Key identified the team’s outdated simulator as a key factor that hampered their early-season performance. The old simulator gave an overly optimistic representation of the C45’s stability compared to actual race conditions.
The introduction of a new, state-of-the-art simulator is planned to further aid car development and race preparation, which should help Sauber maintain and build upon their current momentum.
Looking Ahead: The Significance of Sauber’s Rebound
Sauber’s turnaround in 2025 marks a crucial period in their transition to Audi ownership and a potential return to competitiveness in Formula 1. The combination of technical upgrades and driver skill, especially from Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, positions the team for continued progress.
How effectively Sauber leverages their technical tools, including the upcoming new simulator, will be key to sustaining their rise in future races. The improvements this year offer hope that the Swiss outfit can solidify their place in the midfield battle and possibly challenge higher-ranked teams down the line.
