AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Sauber’s uphill battle in 2025: Hulkenberg and Bortoleto brace for a tough season ahead

Harry Bright by Harry Bright
January 16, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Sauber’s uphill battle in 2025: Hulkenberg and Bortoleto brace for a tough season ahead

Nov 23, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu of China (24) drives during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at the Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

After a disastrous 2024 Formula 1 season that saw Sauber finish last in the Constructors’ standings, the team’s new driver lineup of Nico Hulkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto faces a monumental challenge. With limited expectations and a rebuilding phase under way ahead of the 2026 Audi takeover, the duo is gearing up for what could be a grueling year on and off the track.


Sauber’s struggles: A team in transition

The 2024 season was a nightmare for Sauber, who failed to score a single point until the penultimate round in Qatar. New CTO and COO Mattia Binotto, who joined mid-season, described the team as “frozen” and lacking direction when he arrived.

Binotto’s candid assessment for 2025 isn’t encouraging. “Can we be successful next season? Not at all,” he said. “We will not have the people, the facilities, or the tools required. The goal is simple: improve, step by step, each season.”

For Hulkenberg and Bortoleto, this sets the tone for a year of development rather than competition.


Gabriel Bortoleto: From F2 champion to F1 survivalist

Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto enters Formula 1 as the reigning Formula 2 champion, but his debut season promises to be an uphill battle. With Sauber at the bottom of the grid, the focus will be on development, learning, and setting the stage for a stronger sophomore campaign under the new 2026 regulations.

Bortoleto, however, remains optimistic. After his first outing in Sauber machinery at the Abu Dhabi post-season test, the former McLaren junior reflected:

“Today marked my first day as a Formula One driver – it’s an amazing feeling. I focused on adapting to the car, learning from the team, and getting used to the pace. F1 is a huge step up, but I’m proud to be part of this team and excited for the journey ahead.”

The 20-year-old’s immediate task will be to soak up knowledge from his vastly experienced teammate while showing glimpses of the potential that earned him his F1 seat.


Nico Hulkenberg: The veteran’s return to Sauber

Nico Hulkenberg’s return to Sauber, 11 years after his last stint with the team, sees him in a familiar underdog role. After weathering a turbulent return to full-time racing with Haas in 2023, Hulkenberg helped the team make strides in 2024, showing his resilience and technical expertise.

His role at Sauber is clear: provide leadership, help the team stabilize, and prepare for Audi’s arrival in 2026. Despite the daunting task, Hulkenberg remains upbeat. Following the Abu Dhabi test, where he finished fourth, the German shared his positive outlook:

“It’s been a productive start. We’ve taken care of the basics, and I’m looking forward to building on this momentum in 2025. It’s a long road ahead, but I’m ready for the challenge.”


A season of survival and groundwork

For Sauber, 2025 will not be about podiums or points but laying the foundation for a brighter future. With the 2026 Audi transformation on the horizon, the team’s immediate goal is to stabilize, refine operations, and ensure steady progress.

For Bortoleto, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow. For Hulkenberg, it’s a chance to use his experience to steer a struggling team toward recovery.

Though the road ahead is steep, both drivers seem committed to embracing the grind. Sauber’s journey from the back of the grid to Audi-powered contention begins here.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc Stuns Fans in Kilt: The Unexpected Fashion Statement Shakes F1!
Motorsports

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc Stuns Fans in Kilt: The Unexpected Fashion Statement Shakes F1!

F1 FANS GO CRAZY AS CHARLES LECLERC ROCKS A KILT FOR THE FIRST TIME! In a stunning twist that has...

by Miguel Cunha
August 14, 2025
Christian Horner’s Stunning F1 Comeback Rumors Ignite as FIA Unveils Shocking 2026 Changes!
Motorsports

Christian Horner’s Stunning F1 Comeback Rumors Ignite as FIA Unveils Shocking 2026 Changes!

FILE PHOTO: Formula One F1 - Bahrain Grand Prix - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - April 13, 2025 Red...

by Carl Harrison
August 14, 2025
Max Verstappen Urges Rising Star Arvid Lindblad: Be Yourself, Not the Next Champion!
Motorsports

Max Verstappen Urges Rising Star Arvid Lindblad: Be Yourself, Not the Next Champion!

Dutch Photo Agency / Red Bull Content Pool

by Publisher
August 13, 2025
Mercedes F1 Chief Toto Wolff Reveals Shocking Truth Behind Kimi Antonelli’s Performance Plummet
Motorsports

Mercedes F1 Chief Toto Wolff Reveals Shocking Truth Behind Kimi Antonelli’s Performance Plummet

Toto Wolff, the formidable leader of Mercedes F1, has finally shed light on the alarming decline of rookie sensation Kimi...

by Carl Smith
August 13, 2025

Recent News

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc Stuns Fans in Kilt: The Unexpected Fashion Statement Shakes F1!

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc Stuns Fans in Kilt: The Unexpected Fashion Statement Shakes F1!

August 14, 2025
Christian Horner’s Stunning F1 Comeback Rumors Ignite as FIA Unveils Shocking 2026 Changes!

Christian Horner’s Stunning F1 Comeback Rumors Ignite as FIA Unveils Shocking 2026 Changes!

August 14, 2025
Max Verstappen Urges Rising Star Arvid Lindblad: Be Yourself, Not the Next Champion!

Max Verstappen Urges Rising Star Arvid Lindblad: Be Yourself, Not the Next Champion!

August 13, 2025
Mercedes F1 Chief Toto Wolff Reveals Shocking Truth Behind Kimi Antonelli’s Performance Plummet

Mercedes F1 Chief Toto Wolff Reveals Shocking Truth Behind Kimi Antonelli’s Performance Plummet

August 13, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks