Sauber’s Bold Bid for 2025: Defying the Odds Amidst Audi Transition
As the countdown to the 2026 Formula 1 revolution begins, the paddock is buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Engineers are racing against time to adapt to a groundbreaking new car and drivetrain package. With McLaren currently basking in the glory of their dominant 2025 season, many have written off the remaining races as a mere formality. But not Sauber. In a surprising twist, this team is doubling down on their ambitions for 2025, even as they prepare for a dramatic transformation into Audi.
Sauber’s team principal, Jonathan Wheatley, has made it clear: “We haven’t given up on 2025 yet.” His words echo with determination, revealing Sauber’s strategy to leverage their recent momentum. The team has made significant strides, especially after introducing a revolutionary floor geometry earlier this year that has opened unexpected development pathways. Wheatley emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement across all operations, stating, “We need to be continually pushing the boundaries.”
This isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving. Sauber, much like its fellow competitor Williams, is clawing its way back from years in the shadows, yearning to reclaim its former glory. The team has faced its fair share of struggles, fighting to keep itself afloat and maintain its position on the grid. Historically, Sauber has been a force to be reckoned with, boasting the incredible rookie season of Kimi Raikkonen in 2001 and a competitive edge during BMW’s ownership that nearly saw Robert Kubica clinch the 2008 world championship.
However, the team’s journey has been riddled with challenges, particularly following BMW’s exit in 2009 amidst the global financial crisis. This left Sauber fighting not just for performance but for survival. Lack of investment has led to a gradual decline in their once cutting-edge facilities, making it increasingly difficult to attract top engineering talent. Yet, with Audi’s impending takeover, the landscape is set to change dramatically.
Wheatley, who brings a wealth of experience from his time at Red Bull, is on a mission to inject a winning mentality into the team’s culture. With a major performance update for the C45 already underway, Sauber is determined to turn the tide. But the road hasn’t been easy. Early in the season, both Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto faced severe challenges, particularly in dirty air. The cars struggled to perform in traffic, a situation that has been exacerbated by the current generation’s unexpected sensitivity to wake turbulence.
However, hope is on the horizon. Sauber’s recent aerodynamic changes, including a new front wing and revised floor designs, have begun to yield positive results. This culminated in Hulkenberg scoring the team’s first points since the season opener in Australia, and even achieving a podium finish at Silverstone. Bortoleto’s impressive performance in Hungary, finishing ahead of reigning champion Max Verstappen, has further fueled the team’s optimism.
Wheatley believes this is just the beginning: “In every single area of the business, we can improve,” he asserts. His vision encompasses transforming Sauber from a small team that has fought valiantly to field two cars for over three decades into a fully-fledged works Audi F1 team. “This journey is ambitious, and we’re not going to do it without having the people on board and without challenging every system and operation we have,” he adds.
The internal announcement of Revolut as their title partner for 2026 was met with electrifying energy, indicating a rejuvenated spirit within the team. Sauber is not merely preparing for the future; they are crafting a legacy, one that could see them rise from the ashes and reclaim their place among F1’s elite.
As the clock ticks down to the end of the 2025 season, Sauber stands resolute, ready to defy expectations and prove that they are not just a team in transition, but a formidable contender ready to take on the world of Formula 1. The battle is far from over, and the eyes of the racing world will be firmly fixed on Sauber as they forge ahead into the unknown.
