Sauber’s improvement during the 2025 Formula 1 season signals an optimistic future for the Hinwil-based team as it prepares to become Audi’s factory outfit. Despite starting the year with the slowest car on the grid and integrating a completely new driver lineup featuring Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber has steadily risen through the ranks.

This progress is notably marked by a series of updates that have revitalized the team’s competitiveness, highlighted by a fifth consecutive points finish at the recent Belgian Grand Prix. Hulkenberg’s podium finish at Silverstone—Sauber’s first in over ten years—and the team’s strong sixth place in the championship standings underline this upturn.

Continuous development reflects engineering strength amid technical challenges

Team principal Jonathan Wheatley emphasizes that while regular podium contention remains unlikely this season, the technical progress made behind the scenes is a clear indicator of the squad’s growing capabilities. The ability to deliver meaningful performance improvements late in the regulation cycle stands as evidence of Sauber’s engineering depth and resilience.

“Let’s face it, I doubt we’re going to be regular competitors for podiums,”

Wheatley admitted.

He continued,

“But what I think it showed is that the small gains we’re making behind the scenes, the things people can’t see necessarily, on top of the performance we’re putting on the car towards the end of a set of technical regulations where normally things are stale, all show good signs for the future.”

Wheatley also praised the team’s morale and progress, noting the uniqueness of achieving such a strong result during a complex season.

“There’s a great energy in the team. We’re moving forwards. I’m not entirely sure we could have delivered that result earlier on in the season because you have to get everything right to get a podium,”

he said, adding,

“But we got a great time to enjoy it and actually got to breathe and enjoy it at the factory before coming to the next race.”

Transition to Audi ownership heralds new chapter starting in 2026

Looking ahead, Sauber is set to enter a new phase as it transitions into Audi’s factory team with the rule changes taking effect in 2026. Audi’s full takeover of the Hinwil outfit will mark the beginning of a partnership that could further accelerate the team’s advancement in Formula 1. The 2025 season resurgence thus serves as a foundation for what could be a significant transformation under the German manufacturer’s stewardship.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?

A. Certainly, the number 13 is acceptable. When the permanent number system started in 2014, Pastor Maldonado chose to use #13. Although some cultures think of 13 as unlucky, F1 allows drivers to decide their numbers.

Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?

A. Lewis Hamilton’s experiences with ADHD and dyslexia have greatly influenced his life and racing career. His journey challenges traditional ideas of success in Formula 1 and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging learning differences.

Q. Is 69 allowed in F1?

A. F1 Driver Number Rules:
Every driver can pick a permanent number ranging from 2 to 99 for their F1 career, except for the number 17.