Sauber’s Grand Farewell: A Thrilling Prelude to Audi’s Entry into F1
In a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 Formula 1 season, the Sauber team, under the banner of Kick Sauber, has secured a commendable 9th place in the Constructors’ Championship, amassing a stunning 70 points—a remarkable recovery from a mere 4 points in 2024. This marks a pivotal moment as the team transitions into the ambitious Audi project, promising an exhilarating future for motorsport enthusiasts.
The journey to this point has not been smooth sailing. The Kick Sauber team faced monumental challenges in 2024, battling a lackluster performance that only saw them earn 16 points. However, with the introduction of Mattia Binotto as team principal, a revival was set in motion. While the results oscillated, the team’s performance saw a significant uptick, especially following the crucial updates introduced in Barcelona, which enhanced the car’s aerodynamics and efficiency.
The C45, initially deemed a backmarker, blossomed into a competitive force, achieving points in six consecutive races. This resurgence is a testament to Sauber’s resilience, as they delivered their best points tally since 2012, a year when they gathered 126 points. The 8th place finish reflects the fierce competition of the season, but the signs of revival are unmistakable.
Among the standout moments was Nico Hülkenberg’s emotional podium finish at Silverstone, marking his first-ever podium in a career filled with near misses. The German’s stellar performance, starting from 19th and finishing 3rd, exemplified his strategic brilliance and tire management in fluctuating conditions. Another highlight was the double top-10 finish in Austria, with Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto finishing 8th and 9th, respectively—an indicator of the team’s newfound consistency.
As the season wrapped up in Abu Dhabi, Hülkenberg secured a 9th place finish in his 250th Grand Prix, contributing to Sauber’s impressive 70-point tally. This season has not only restored internal confidence but also set the stage for Audi’s impending involvement, with Binotto steering the ship toward a brighter horizon. The addition of Jonathan Wheatley proved crucial, fostering a more robust and effective team dynamic.
Nico Hülkenberg ended the season ranked 11th in the Drivers’ Championship with 51 points, solidifying his role as a key player in Sauber’s competitive leap. Despite early setbacks, including a disqualification in Bahrain, the veteran driver showcased remarkable consistency, finishing in the top-10 nine times throughout the year. His journey in 2025 was marked by significant highs, including a spectacular 5th place finish in Spain, demonstrating that the “Hulk” still has much to offer on the track.
In contrast, rookie Gabriel Bortoleto wrapped up his debut season in 19th place with 19 points. After a shaky start, the Brazilian demonstrated undeniable growth, particularly highlighted by scoring his first points in Austria. Bortoleto’s trajectory from early eliminations to stable Q2 performances indicates a promising future for the young talent, which could rekindle Brazil’s hopes for a formidable presence in F1.
As Sauber bids adieu to its legacy, the groundwork laid in 2025 heralds a new era with Audi. The team leaves behind a legacy of resilience and potential, setting the stage for an electrifying transformation in the world of Formula 1. The future looks bright, and fans can only anticipate what lies ahead as Audi steps onto the grand stage of motorsport.









