Nico Hulkenberg Declares Game-Changer Moment for Sauber in F1 2025!
In a bold revelation, Nico Hulkenberg has identified a critical upgrade at the Spanish Grand Prix in June as the definitive turning point for Sauber’s tumultuous 2025 Formula 1 season. After a challenging stint with Haas, Hulkenberg made a triumphant return to the Hinwil-based team, gearing up for an exciting transition into a full-fledged Audi operation in 2026.
The season began with a bang when Hulkenberg managed to score points amid a chaotic Australian race, but the joy was short-lived as Sauber faced a dismal start, struggling to find their competitive edge. The C45, their racing machine, remained underwhelming until the anticipated upgrades arrived at the eighth round in Barcelona, which dramatically revitalized the team’s prospects.
“From Barcelona onwards, things changed,” Hulkenberg stated, reflecting on the significant transformation after the update. He clinched a stellar top-five finish in the initial race featuring the new parts, which propelled Sauber to an impressive total of 70 points, marking a much-needed resurgence for the beleaguered squad.
“I’m happy with the progress,” Hulkenberg shared with an enthusiastic media gathering. “Just look where the team came from last year; it was a struggle, with only a single point-scoring result. We stumbled right from the start this season and faced setbacks during the winter, but we found our footing again after Barcelona. Our season truly began there.”
Despite a fortuitous result in Melbourne, Hulkenberg candidly admitted that Sauber didn’t fully engage in the championship fight until the crucial upgrades took effect. “The season has been a bit two-sided,” he remarked. “We started poorly, far below expectations, but the turnaround was palpable after the upgrades.”
Hulkenberg’s crowning achievement came at the British Grand Prix, where a combination of strategic driving and razor-sharp instincts enabled him to finally secure his long-awaited podium finish in F1.
“From Barcelona onwards, we corrected a lot and enjoyed numerous point-scoring races, with some notable highlights,” he reflected. “Silverstone stands out, along with Gabi [Bortoleto] in Budapest, the team’s performance in Austria, and Austin, which was also impressive.”
As the season progressed, Hulkenberg noted the challenges of entering a new era, with development halting for many teams, including Sauber. But he remained optimistic. “All things considered, it was a solid learning year. We’re evolving as a team and organization, heading in a positive direction. Yet there’s always room for improvement.”
Hulkenberg’s insights underscore a pivotal moment in Sauber’s journey as they gear up for an exciting future under Audi’s banner. The 2025 season may have started on shaky ground, but with dedication and strategic upgrades, Sauber is poised for a comeback that fans and competitors alike will be watching closely.








