Valtteri Bottas from Finland is driving for Sauber C44 in the Chinese Grand Prix, which is part of the Formula 1 World Championship. The race took place on Friday, April 19, 2024, in Shanghai, China.
According to Sauber Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Audi’s entry into Formula 1 has changed the team’s position in the driver market. Audi will make its Formula 1 debut in 2026 through a strategic partnership with Sauber. The German automaker hopes to acquire Sauber completely and has been linked to experienced drivers like Carlos Sainz from Ferrari and Nico Hulkenberg from Haas.
Alunni Bravi mentioned that there are currently 14 drivers without a fixed contract for next year, and Sauber, along with other teams, is in discussions with several drivers. However, the team is focused on providing their drivers with a competitive car rather than making immediate decisions. The announcement of Audi’s involvement and the planned investments to improve the team’s performance are seen as positive news for Sauber. This signifies a shift from mere spectators to active participants in the driver market.
Sauber has faced challenges in the early stages of the 2024 season, with a lack of points and recurring issues with wheel nuts during pit stops. Alunni Bravi acknowledged these problems and stated that the team is working diligently to resolve them. However, he also admitted that it may take some time before a long-term solution can be implemented. In the meantime, Sauber has implemented additional measures for the upcoming races to improve consistency.
