As Sauber team bids farewell to the Formula 1 scene in grand style, wrapping up the 2025 season with a commendable ninth place in the Constructors’ Championship, amassing a remarkable 70 points. This marks a staggering leap of 66 points from the dismal tally of just four in 2024. This season serves as a prelude to the team’s transformation under the Audi banner, signaling a new era filled with hopes and challenges.
The road to Audi’s entry, through the Sauber framework, was fraught with obstacles. The previous year had been a nightmare, with the team struggling to find its footing and only managing to secure 16 points. The turning point came with the appointment of Mattia Binotto, whose leadership instigated a crucial shift in the team’s dynamics. Although the path to improvement was uneven, the performance surged significantly as the season progressed, culminating in a competitive car that began as a backmarker.
The C45, initially lagging at the back of the grid, started to show its potential following a series of updates introduced at the Barcelona GP, focusing on enhancing downforce and drag efficiency. This pivotal moment ignited a streak of six consecutive races in which Sauber scored points. With a total of 12 point-scoring races throughout the season, the Swiss team had its best points haul since 2012, a testament to their resilience and determination. The eighth place in the standings is reflective of the fierce competition that enveloped the season, making their achievements even more commendable.
The crowning moment for Sauber came at Silverstone, where Nico Hülkenberg clinched a long-awaited podium finish, securing third place and marking a significant milestone in his career. The team also celebrated a noteworthy double top-10 finish in Austria, with Bortoleto finishing eighth and Hülkenberg ninth, solidifying their status as consistent point scorers. The season closed with another top-10 result in Abu Dhabi, where Hülkenberg finished ninth, elevating the team’s final tally to 70 points. This season of rejuvenation not only bolstered internal confidence but also laid a solid foundation for Audi’s impending entry into Formula 1.
Under Binotto’s guidance, Sauber began to navigate towards stability, and the strategic hire of Jonathan Wheatley proved to be a game-changer, reinforcing the team’s operational framework. What initially seemed like a rocky start to Audi’s journey has transformed into a promising outlook as the season drew to a close, leaving behind a legacy that is both positive and appealing.
Nico Hülkenberg’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, finishing the season in 11th place in the Drivers’ Championship with 51 points. He emerged as the driving force behind Sauber’s competitive resurgence. His standout performance at the British Grand Prix, where he rocketed from 19th to 3rd, exemplified his exceptional skill and tactical acumen. Hülkenberg, long admired for his talent, finally tasted victory champagne, a moment he had long yearned for.
His season was not without setbacks; a disqualification in Bahrain due to an infringement on skid block wear cost him valuable points early on. However, Hülkenberg’s consistency shone through, with nine top-10 finishes that allowed him to comfortably outpace teammate Bortoleto, establishing himself as a key figure in the team. Although his career may be nearing its twilight, the Audi project presents an exciting platform for him to showcase his abilities. After a stellar season with Haas in 2024, Hülkenberg continued to impress with Sauber, hinting that his time away from the grid has only sharpened his competitive edge.
Gabriel Bortoleto, in his rookie season, wrapped up the year in 19th place with 19 points. His journey began with challenges, but as the C45 improved, so did his performance. The turning point came in Austria, where he scored his first points with an eighth-place finish, igniting a promising trajectory for his season. This was followed by solid performances, including a sixth-place finish in Hungary, which underscored his potential as a rising star within the team.
Bortoleto demonstrated his ability to convert good grid positions into solid race results, showcasing his growth as the season progressed. While his points tally may seem modest, he proved that he has the makings of a formidable contender in the sport. His first year with Sauber was pivotal, allowing him to grow without the pressure of high expectations, and paving the way for Brazil to dream of a strong presence in Formula 1 once again.
As Sauber prepares to transition into the Audi era, the 2025 season stands as a testament to resilience, growth, and the promise of what lies ahead. With a foundation built on hard work and determination, the team is set to embark on a new chapter that could redefine their legacy in the world of motorsport.
