2024 Stake F1 Team Launches Sauber
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, the representative of Sauber Team, has expressed the organization’s aim to enhance every aspect of its operations in the upcoming 2024 Formula 1 season. Bravi made these remarks during the unveiling of the new C44 2024 F1 challenger, which marks the beginning of the team’s two-year tenure under the rebranded name of ‘Stake F1 Team’. These two years will serve as a transition period between the concluded Alfa Romeo chapter in 2023 and the future era as the Audi works outfit following the regulation reset in 2026. After finishing ninth in last year’s Constructors’ standings, Bravi emphasized that while setting a specific target for 2024 may be challenging, the primary objective is overall improvement. “We cannot specify exact goals as it is always difficult to commit to numbers. Our objectives are clear – to enhance the performance of our car and our overall package,” Bravi explained. He further elaborated that the package encompasses various aspects, such as the race team, on-track operations, pit stops, and strategy. It goes beyond just the car’s performance, and the team is fully dedicated to making progress in all departments. “Our aim is to take this step forward and deliver a better performance than we did in 2023. As the season progresses, we will assess our position, but the key target is to improve this year,” Bravi concluded.
With the backing of CEO Andreas Seidl, Bravi is overseeing a reorganization of the organization as Sauber prepares for the imminent complete acquisition by Audi. In the middle of last season, Jan Monchaux left the team, and James Key, who had previously departed from McLaren earlier in the year, was appointed as the Technical Director. Bravi explained that these next two years will be a period of significant transformation for the team, leading up to 2026 when they will become the official Audi works team. However, Bravi emphasized that their current focus is on the present and the importance of building a strong foundation for the team on a daily basis. Under the guidance of Andreas Seidl, they are diligently working to enhance all aspects of their organization. On the track, they have established an efficient structure with Xevi Pujolar as the Racing Director, Beat Zehnder as the Sporting Director, and Bravi himself. In Hinwil, they have brought in James Key as the new Technical Director. Bravi believes that this structure is well-suited for their growth process and the goals they aim to achieve.
While it is not currently feasible to predict where the team will stand in the 2024 pecking order, given Sauber’s behind-the-scenes planning for a long-term successful project with Audi, Bravi remains optimistic about the team’s short-term improvement. He believes that the team has the capability and opportunity to take a step forward. In the previous season, they finished ninth in the Constructors’ Championship, and Bravi asserts that their minimum target should be to surpass this position. However, he also acknowledges that the season will be lengthy and emphasizes the importance of continuous development throughout the year. It is not solely about being competitive at the beginning but also about consistently improving the car’s performance, team operations, and overall work approach. Bravi is convinced that if they remain fully committed and focused on their job, they will undoubtedly make progress. The extent of this progress, however, will only become evident on the track.
