Bottas implies that Sauber’s performance on the track this season has been affected by the introduction of the Audi project.
Sauber argues that it would be a mistake to attribute their lack of competitiveness in the current season to the team’s transition to Audi in 2026.
The team’s on-track activities have been overshadowed this year by their imminent transformation into an official Audi participant once the regulations change.
Sauber has had a challenging season so far, as their redesigned C44 car has failed to score a single point in the first nine races.
Sauber’s representative, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, acknowledged that the team has fallen behind their midfield rivals as the development race has intensified.
“We can admit that the performances are lacking, so there is no need to hide,” said Alunni Bravi.
“At the beginning of the year, we showed promising performances compared to our main competitors, but we failed to convert that into results due to evident reliability issues. Now, other teams have made significant progress with their latest updates, especially Racing Bulls and Alpine, and we need to close the gap.
“We have addressed the reliability issues, especially with our pit stops. However, during qualifying laps, we are not where we should be if we want to compete for points.”
Speaking earlier in the weekend in Barcelona, Valtteri Bottas, whose contract expires in 2025, suggested that Sauber’s prospects were being hindered by the expansion of the Audi project.
“It’s hard to predict because the margins are so small,” evaluated Bottas. “Everyone is working tirelessly to understand why we are not reaching our goals. It’s a matter of small margins.”
“However, with some new components specifically designed for this race, we should be in a better position.
“Obviously, there have been several developments within the team aimed at a better future.
“So, sometimes you can take a step back to take two steps forward. It’s all part of the game, but I hope we are in a better condition. That’s all I can say.”
However, Alunni Bravi dismissed this statement, stating that there is no division within the team between Sauber’s efforts on the track for the next 18 months and Audi’s endeavor. According to Alunni Bravi, it is a mistake to confuse the two. He believes that the preparation for the Audi factory team is not impacting the current seasons and should not do so. Alunni Bravi acknowledges that there are weaknesses they are working to resolve. Since last January, CEO Andreas Seidl has been focused on improving the team as part of a transformation process. This process starts with enhancing the current structure and hiring the right people to strengthen the technical teams in all areas. Alunni Bravi emphasizes that there are no separate tasks for the factory team and the current team; they are a unified team. This unity should serve as the foundation for the factory team. When asked about Bottas’ statement of taking a step back to move forward, Alunni Bravi does not deny its accuracy. However, he admits that they are currently not where they should be in terms of hiring and investment. In March, Audi decided to fully acquire the Sauber Group to provide the necessary investment to propel them towards the factory team. Although they are aware of the light at the end of the tunnel, they recognize that they are still in the tunnel.
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A new soccer championship is about to begin, and fans are eager to see their favorite teams in action. With talented players and experienced coaches, this season promises to be one of the most exciting yet.
The first game will be between the home team, Flamengo, and the visitor, Palmeiras. Both teams have a long history of rivalry, which makes this matchup even more interesting. Fans are expecting a fierce and thrilling game.
Flamengo, led by coach Renato Gaúcho, is confident in their team and hopes to start the season with a home victory. They have a strong squad and talented players like Bruno Henrique and Gabigol, who are known for their skill and goal-scoring ability.
On the other hand, Palmeiras is also determined to start the season on the right foot. Under the guidance of coach Abel Ferreira, the team has been training hard and is ready to face any challenge. With players like Dudu and Luiz Adriano, Palmeiras has a powerful attack that can cause problems for any defense.
Fans are eager to see how these two teams will perform in this first game. The rivalry between Flamengo and Palmeiras always brings a tense and exciting atmosphere, and this game promises to be no different.
This is just the beginning of an exciting soccer season. Fans are thrilled to see their favorite teams in action and support them throughout the championship. With thrilling games and intense rivalries, this season promises to be one of the best yet. Stay tuned for more updates and complete coverage of the championship.
