After a disastrous 2024 Formula 1 season that saw Sauber finish last in the Constructors’ standings, the team’s new driver lineup of Nico Hulkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto faces a monumental challenge. With limited expectations and a rebuilding phase under way ahead of the 2026 Audi takeover, the duo is gearing up for what could be a grueling year on and off the track.
Sauber’s struggles: A team in transition
The 2024 season was a nightmare for Sauber, who failed to score a single point until the penultimate round in Qatar. New CTO and COO Mattia Binotto, who joined mid-season, described the team as “frozen” and lacking direction when he arrived.
Binotto’s candid assessment for 2025 isn’t encouraging. “Can we be successful next season? Not at all,” he said. “We will not have the people, the facilities, or the tools required. The goal is simple: improve, step by step, each season.”
For Hulkenberg and Bortoleto, this sets the tone for a year of development rather than competition.
Gabriel Bortoleto: From F2 champion to F1 survivalist
Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto enters Formula 1 as the reigning Formula 2 champion, but his debut season promises to be an uphill battle. With Sauber at the bottom of the grid, the focus will be on development, learning, and setting the stage for a stronger sophomore campaign under the new 2026 regulations.
Bortoleto, however, remains optimistic. After his first outing in Sauber machinery at the Abu Dhabi post-season test, the former McLaren junior reflected:
“Today marked my first day as a Formula One driver – it’s an amazing feeling. I focused on adapting to the car, learning from the team, and getting used to the pace. F1 is a huge step up, but I’m proud to be part of this team and excited for the journey ahead.”
The 20-year-old’s immediate task will be to soak up knowledge from his vastly experienced teammate while showing glimpses of the potential that earned him his F1 seat.
Nico Hulkenberg: The veteran’s return to Sauber
Nico Hulkenberg’s return to Sauber, 11 years after his last stint with the team, sees him in a familiar underdog role. After weathering a turbulent return to full-time racing with Haas in 2023, Hulkenberg helped the team make strides in 2024, showing his resilience and technical expertise.
His role at Sauber is clear: provide leadership, help the team stabilize, and prepare for Audi’s arrival in 2026. Despite the daunting task, Hulkenberg remains upbeat. Following the Abu Dhabi test, where he finished fourth, the German shared his positive outlook:
“It’s been a productive start. We’ve taken care of the basics, and I’m looking forward to building on this momentum in 2025. It’s a long road ahead, but I’m ready for the challenge.”
A season of survival and groundwork
For Sauber, 2025 will not be about podiums or points but laying the foundation for a brighter future. With the 2026 Audi transformation on the horizon, the team’s immediate goal is to stabilize, refine operations, and ensure steady progress.
For Bortoleto, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow. For Hulkenberg, it’s a chance to use his experience to steer a struggling team toward recovery.
Though the road ahead is steep, both drivers seem committed to embracing the grind. Sauber’s journey from the back of the grid to Audi-powered contention begins here.